Abstract: A sliding mode backstepping controller based on the sliding mode disturbance observer is proposed for maneuver flight with the characteristics of nonlinearity, strong couplings, aerodynamic parameters and moment disturbances. The nonlinear dynamic model is decomposed as the angular loop and the angular velocity loop, and is expressed as a strict feedback form. The virtual control law and the actual control law are designed based on the design procedures of backstepping control and fast terminal sliding mode control. The explosion of complexity is avoided by combining with the sliding mode differentiator to obtain the derivatives of virtual control laws. A disturbance observer based on the sliding mode differentiator is introduced to estimate and compensate the model uncertainties. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme in tracking reference command in the presence of aerodynamic parameters and moment disturbances.