We investigate the use of simple aerodynamic models for the feedback control
of aerial vehicles with large flight envelopes. Thrust-propelled vehicles with
a body shape symmetric with respect to the thrust axis are considered. Upon a
condition on the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, we show that the
equilibrium orientation can be explicitly determined as a function of the
desired flight velocity. This allows for the adaptation of previously proposed
control design approaches based on the thrust direction control paradigm.
Simulation results conducted by using measured aerodynamic characteristics of
quasi-axisymmetric bodies illustrate the soundness of the proposed approach
