Advanced Control Method for Hypersonic Vehicles

This research effort aims to develop software control algorithms that will correct for roll reversal before it happens. Roll reversal occurs when an aircraft is steered in one direction but rolls the opposite way due to aerodynamic conditions. The problem often compounds as a pilot attempts to correct for the motion by over-steering in the original direction, leading to uncontrollable roll. Unexpected yaw and subsequent roll reversal has caused the loss of high-speed, lifting body–like vehicles. The team has employed novel predictive software within adaptive controller technology to detect conditions likely to result in aircraft roll reversal and then automate compensating maneuvers to avoid catastrophic loss.

Work completed: University of Michigan’s retrospective cost model refinement (RCMR) control algorithm has been integrated into a flight simulator and tested with prerecorded, open-source parameter data, which replicates the roll reversal anomaly.

Looking ahead: Next steps involve upgrading the RCMR code to account for a six-degree-of-simulation environment (forward/back, up/ down, left/right, pitch, yaw, and roll) with eventual application in a flight test environment.

Partners: University of Michigan, other government research agencies, and aerospace firms.

Benefits

• Operates independently: Unlike other standard control systems, this method allows for compensation and control of aircraft roll reversal without a priori knowledge of the dynamics.
• Improves safety: This technology is expected to prevent crashes that occur due to uncontrolled roll.
• Increases envelope: RCMR would enable planes to travel safely over a larger envelope.

Applications

• Hypersonic jets
• Lifting body–type space vehicles and reentry vehicles

• Operates independently: Unlike other standard control systems, this method allows for compensation and control of aircraft roll reversal without a priori knowledge of the dynamics.
• Improves safety: This technology is expected to prevent crashes that occur due to uncontrolled roll.
• Increases envelope: RCMR would enable planes to travel safely over a larger envelope.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.