Controller design using adaptive random search for close-coupled formation flight

A simulation-based methodology for designing a formation-flight controller for two aircraft in close-coupled formation flight in standard 'diamond' configuration for a single flight condition was discussed. A complete six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) nonlinear simulation model, with formation-flying effects given as functions of relative position of the chase vehicle with respect to the lead, was considered. The Monte Carlo version of the adaptive-random-search algorithm was used to find the optimum gains. The random search outperformed a deterministic optimization algorithm.