A plasma actuator system and method especially well adapted for use on airborne mobile platforms, such as aircraft, for directional and/or attitude control. The system includes at least one plasma actuator having first and second electrodes mounted on a surface of an aircraft. The first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to a boundary layer flow path over the surface. A third electrode is mounted between the first and second electrodes and laterally offset from the first and second electrodes. A high AC voltage signal is applied across the first and third electrodes, which induces a fluid flow between the energized electrodes that helps to delay separation of the boundary layer. Applying the AC voltage across the second and third electrodes causes an induced fluid flow that creates the opposite effect of influencing the boundary layer flow to separate from the surface. A plurality of the actuators can be selectively placed at various locations on the aircraft, and selectively energized to provide directional control and/or attitude control over the aircraft.