For the majority of all dynamic systems open loop optimal control generally results from optimization theory whereas a closed loop control is normally desired. By accepting a degradation in performance a closed loop control termed ‘ specific optimal control ’ can be obtained. A series of experiments were performed investigating this type of sub-optimal control. It was found that although the proper choice of the control parameter leads to easily implemented closed loop controls, there are major drawbacks to its use. The coefficients in the control law ore highly dependent upon the final timeT,the system parameters, and the initial state of the system. Furthermore, the performance of the system was found to be a function of the algebraic form chosen for the control law. To determine the most optimum control law entails performing a series of computer experiments. This last difficulty may be circumvented in part by embedding the specific optimal control problem in an identification problem. Results of the experiments in this research indicate that this procedure is feasible.