Multiobjective optimization–based fault-tolerant flight control system design

Summary The loss of measurements used for controller scheduling or envelope protection in modern flight control systems due to sensor failures leads to a challenging fault-tolerant control law design problem. In this article, an approach to design such a robust fault-tolerant control system, including full envelope protections using multiobjective optimization techniques, is proposed. The generic controller design and controller verification problems are derived and solved using novel multiobjective hybrid genetic optimization algorithms. These algorithms combine the multiobjective genetic search strategy with local, single-objective optimization to improve convergence speed. The proposed strategies are applied to the design of a fault-tolerant flight control system for a modern civil aircraft. The results of an industrial controller verification and validation campaign using an industrial benchmark simulator are reported.