Direct Method for Forming the Optimal Open Loop Control of Aerial Vehicles

A direct method for finding the optimal open loop control of an aircraft is proposed. It is based on the preliminary parameterization of controls with the subsequent parameter estimation using the numerical minimization of a given functional. Conditions for the application of this method and possible constraints are discussed. The efficiency of the method is confirmed by examples that use the results of simulation and flight data. The results are compared with the solutions obtained using the classical approach to finding the optimal control based on the solution of a two-point boundary value problem.