Climate change is increasingly influencing the aviation industry, motivating novel aircraft concepts such as the Flying V. However, unconventional configurations introduce new challenges in stability, control, and handling qualities. Additionally, aerodynamic model uncertainties and limited research on robust control for the Flying V highlight need for improved flight control systems. This study advances the conceptual maturity of the Flying V by developing a H∞ loop-shaping C* longitudinal controller designed to ensure robust stability and performance under aerodynamic uncertainty and input/output disturbances while targeting Level 1 handling qualities. The Flying V model is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, before a one-degree-of-freedom (1DOF) controller is designed. This is extended to a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) architecture incorporating parametric uncertainty and multi-model synthesis to maintain stability across the flight envelope. The 2DOF controller improves tracking and maintains good disturbance rejection while largely meeting Level 1 handling quality requirements and maintaining robust stability over many test case simulations.

Reducing the emissions of ultra-fine particles in the vicinity of airports to minimise detrimental health effects for near-airport residents and airport personnel has been the main objective of the project. This report details the realisation of this goal which was done by designing a hybrid aircraft with notable improvements in the efficiency and emission characteristics. The aircraft in question is named the ’Low Emission Alternative Fuel’ aircraft, or ’LEAF’. Design of essential components and systems is presented along with evaluation of aspects needed for LEAF aircraft to enter the market by 2035.