Based on the maximum likelihood method, this paper analyzed the influence of tailplane icing on aerodynamic parameters by parameter identification. A nonlinear longitudinal flight dynamics model for aircraft was built, and an identification system was constructed using maximum likelihood method. According to the flight test data of DHC-6 aircraft, the aerodynamic parameters of clean aircraft and two different cases of iced aircraft with particular ice shapes on the tailplane were identified. Eventually, the results of the identification show that the tailplane icing has several adverse effects on the aircraft flight characteristics, including flight performance, elevator effectiveness, stability and safety.
Study of nonlinear parameter identification using UKF and Maximum Likelihood method
