Abstract
This paper presents a new kind of vectorial backstepping sliding mode control (BSMC) for the positioning and trajectory tracking of an autonomous robotic airship. Also, a unified framework basis for the design/analysis of vectorial BSMC, as well as sliding mode control (SMC) and backstepping control (BS) for a system in lower triangular block form is derived. The design framework makes it easier the theoretical-based comparative analysis of performances/robustness between the three nonlinear control approaches. Simulation results for the positioning and tracking of the autonomous airship illustrate the proposal.