Backstepping-based adaptive control of a quadrotor UAV with guaranteed tracking performance

In this paper, a backstepping based indirect adaptive control design and an alternative direct adaptive control scheme, both with guaranteed transient and steady-state tracking performances, are proposed for trajectory tracking of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Backstepping techniques, combined with a prescribed performance function based error transformation, are employed in both designs to achieve the bounded transient and steady-state tracking errors of the strict-feedback position system which comprises both lateral position and altitude dynamics. The effects of parametric inertia and drag uncertainties on attitude regulation are compensated using a least squares based parameter identification algorithm in the indirect adaptive control design, and using a constructive Lyapunov analysis approach in the direct adaptive control scheme. The stability of the closed-loop system for both designs is proven via Lyapunov analysis. Simulation and experimental test results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control designs.