Multiple specification controller design for F‐16 fighters

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how to design effective and practical controllers that satisfy multiple simultaneous specifications (MSS) criteria concurrently.Design/methodology/approachIn automatic flight control system or autopilots, MSS such as good holding (small static altitude holding error), fast response, smooth transition (less oscillation, overshoot) are needed to be satisfied concurrently. So how to design the MSS controller effectively and practically is a very significant and challenging job. An MSS controller design method is proposed. The paper further applies the method together with the fine‐tuning technique to the 6 DoF non‐linear F‐16 fighter longitudinal control channel. Simulation results show its applicability to non‐linear flight control system.FindingsIt was found that the simulation results demonstrate that the MSS design method with controller fine‐tuning can be applied to the nonlinear F‐16 fighter longitudinal control system.Research limitations/implicationsThe practical implementation of this research work needs further investigation.Practical implicationsThe simplicity of the design algorithm facilitates the application of the design to other aircrafts by use of Matlab.Originality/valueThe simulation results presented demonstrate that the proposed MSS apply well to non‐linear F‐16 fighters.