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Backstepping-Based Trajectory Tracking Control of a Three-Rotor UAV: A Robust Nonlinear Approach for Stable Flight
* 1 , 2 , 3 , 4
1  Identification, Command, Control and Communication (LI3CUB) Laboratory, Mohamed Khider university, Biskra, Algeria
2  Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy.
3  Electronics, Signals, Systems, and Computer Science Laboratory, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.
4  Identification, Command, Control and Communication Laboratory (LI3CUB), Mohamed Khider University, Biskra, Algeria
Academic Editor: Francisco Falcone

https://doi.org/10.3390/ECSA-12-26573 (registering DOI)
Abstract:

Ensuring precise trajectory tracking and stability in unconventional UAVs is a critical challenge in aerial robotics. This paper investigates a three-rotor UAV with complex underactuated dynamics and develops a nonlinear backstepping controller. The UAV model highlights the essential role of onboard sensors, since position and angular velocity measurements are fundamental for feedback and must be continuously exploited by the control law. Using these sensor-based signals in simulation, the proposed controller achieves accurate trajectory tracking, fast convergence, and stable behavior. The study emphasizes that sensor integration is crucial for enabling reliable autonomous flight of unconventional UAVs.

Keywords: Three-Rotor UAV; Trajectory Tracking; Backstepping; Nonlinear Systems; Disturbance.
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