Stability, Control & Flight Dynamics

Preliminary Stability, Control, and Flight Dynamics Analysis

We evaluate the dynamic behavior and controllability of aerospace vehicles across their full flight envelope – from trimmed steady-state evaluations to transient maneuvers. Using preliminary geometry, mass properties, aerodynamic databases, and propulsion models, we develop and analyze high-fidelity flight dynamics models to assess vehicle behavior, handling qualities, and control system requirements.

Our approach supports concept validation, early design trade studies, and flight control architecture development – all with traceable outputs suitable for downstream simulation, certification, or MBSE integration.

Our services include:

• Stability and Control Derivative Estimation: Using analytical and computational methods across linear and non-linear regimes
• Static & Dynamic Stability Analysis: Longitudinal and lateral-directional including evaluation of static & dynamic stability and control derivatives, stability margin, damping ratios, natural frequencies, and more
• Trim and Control Allocation Analysis: Determining feasible trim conditions and optimal surface deflection strategies across flight regimes and conditions
• Flying Qualities Assessments: Compliance evaluation for the vehicle in various phases of flight subject to various critical modes (Phugoid/short period, Dutch Roll, Spiral, etc)
• Handling Qualities Assessments: Evaluation of pilot effort to execute critical maneuvers using the specified configuration and control system architecture
• Transfer Function Estimation: Development of linearized models and preliminary control strategies in both time and frequency domains
• Actuator Sizing and Constraints: Evaluating actuator requirements, travel limits, and rate saturation effects on control fidelity
• Failure Case Analysis: Sensitivity to degraded flight control surfaces, or component/system failures

Typical Deliverables

• A structured database of aerodynamic and propulsive stability/control derivatives
• Trim diagrams and control allocation charts across operating points
• Flight dynamics parameter sets, with compliance scoring to relevant handling standards
• Preliminary control laws and transfer functions for inner/outer loop modes (pitch, roll, yaw, throttle)
• Full mission trajectory simulations with flight control histories and guidance inputs
• Sensitivity plots and failure-mode robustness analyses

Whether you’re designing a conventional aircraft, eVTOL platform, unmanned system, or a novel configuration, our team helps ensure your flight vehicle behaves as intended – safely, responsively, and within regulatory limits.