Distributed predefined-time estimator-based affine formation target-enclosing maneuver control for cooperative underactuated quadrotor UAVs with fault-tolerant capabilities

The paper presents a two-layer, disturbance-resistant, and fault-tolerant affine formation maneuver control scheme that accomplishes the surrounding of a dynamic target with multiple underactuated Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (QUAVs). This scheme mainly consists of predefined-time estimators and fixed-time tracking controllers, with a hybrid Laplacian matrix describing the communication among these QUAVs. At the first layer, we devise predefined time estimators for leading and following QUAVs, enabling accurate estimation of desired information. In the second layer, we initially devise a fixed-time hybrid observer to estimate unknown disturbances and actuator faults. Fixed-time translational tracking controllers are then proposed, and the intermediary control input from these controllers is used to extract the desired attitude and angular velocities for the fixed-time rotational tracking controllers. We employ an exact tracking differentiator to handle variables that are challenging to differentiate directly. The paper includes a demonstration of the control system stability through mathematical proof, as well as the presentation of simulation results and comparative simulations.