Multi-Agent Fuzzy Logic Controller applied to One Lever Variable Pitch Turboprop Aircraft

Modern aircraft turboprop engines are generally managed by pilots by using the well-established two-levers approach which allows the pilot to control independently the engine thrust (power lever) and the propeller rotational speed (condition lever). On the other hand, the two-levers governing system presents several disadvantages in terms of pilot training, fuel consumption and aircraft maintenance. The one-lever approach tries to solve such drawbacks regulating at the same time the engine power and the propeller pitch. In the present work a Multi-Agent Fuzzy Logic control algorithm has been proposed to implement the one-lever approach for the control of the variable pitch turboprop aircraft propulsion system. The whole aircraft ecosystem has been developed in Simulink® framework to verify the feasibility and performance of the proposed one-lever approach.