| In this thesis, a robust formation control framework for formation control of a group of helicopters is proposed and designed. The dynamic model of the helicopter has been developed and verified through simulations. The control framework is constructed using two main control schemes for navigation of a helicopter group in three-dimensional (3D) environments. Two schemes are designed to maintain the position of one helicopter with respect to one or two other neighboring members, respectively. The developed parameters can uniquely define the position of the helicopters with respect to each other and can be used for any other aerial and under water vehicles such as airplanes, spacecrafts and submarines. Also, since this approach is modular, it is possible to use it for desired number and form of the group helicopters. Using the defined control parameters, two decentralized controllers are designed based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) algorithm technique. The framework performance has been tested through simulation of different formation scenarios. |
