Model Reference Adaptive Control for Wing-Rock Suppression in Delta-Wing Aircraft

Wing rock, a self-excited rolling oscillation occurring at high angles of attack, significantly affects flight stability and maneuverability in highly swept configurations. To address this, a nonlinear dynamic model representing the roll angle and roll rate behavior is developed based on experimental aerodynamic data. A Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) is designed to adaptively modify control inputs in real time, ensuring the system’s response follows a desired reference model despite nonlinearities and parameter uncertainties. The adaptive law, derived using Lyapunov stability theory, guarantees asymptotic error convergence and robust performance. Simulation results at a 30° angle of attack demonstrate that the proposed controller effectively suppresses oscillations, stabilizes roll dynamics, and achieves precise trajectory tracking under varying initial conditions. The study confirms the potential of MRAC as a reliable and scalable control approach for enhancing flight stability and safety in delta-wing aircraft.