Adaptive Control (Part I) — Hypersonics and the MIT Rule

Introducing the algorithm that ruled the adaptive flight control system of the first manned hypersonic aircraft, the North American X-15.

Figure 1. NASA pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here in the cockpit of the X-15–1 (56–6670) after a research flight. Neil Amstrong was the first test pilot to fly in the North American X-15–3, the first-ever manned hypersonic vehicle that featured an adaptive flight control system, the MH-96. Image source: NASA Collection.

We live in a world where control engineering is more important than ever.

In the last 10 years, we have seen how cars are able to drive autonomously, how the cost to access space has drastically decreased thanks to reusable rockets that can re-enter the atmosphere and land vertically, and how airplanes can operate without human intervention at all.

None of these incredible breakthroughs would have been possible without modern control systems. Practically every aspect of our day-to-day life is affected by some type of control algorithm.

Within the wide spectrum of the existing control techniques, there is a very special one called Adaptive Control, which has a unique capability, self-learning.

Just like our brain does, an adaptive controller has a sort of plasticity, as it can modify itself on the fly based on current and previous experiences.

If you are curious to know more about Adaptive Control, I’m sure you will enjoy this piece, the first one of a divulgation series where you will learn many…