Control problems in aerospace engineering

Control Engineering is a wide-ranging discipline which offers opportunities in research to people with diverse backgrounds and interests; from applied mathematicians interested solely in developing new theory right through to pragmatic engineers who are closely involved in a particular application. Additionally, for those involved in the application of control methodologies, there are the bonuses of complementing modelling, analysis and design with experimental validation. For my part, work has centred on the application of existing techniques in new areas. Since the early part of my career were spent in the aircraft industry and the Royal Air Force, it has proved very satisfying to return to this area after some years in 'general' control engineering. In particular, I feel fortunate to have flown operationally in the Royal Air Force, and hope that this rare experience for an academic is reflected in my more recent research. (After all, the UK should see some return on the expensive training programme I undertook.) [Continues.]