This paper proposes the design of simulation framework for a coupled, nonlinear, six degrees of freedom stratospheric airship model by integrating continuation approach with nonlinear sliding mode based control technique. Bifurcation based continuation approach has been engaged to provide an insight on the level skid-to-turn performance which is of significant importance in designing nonlinear control based methodologies for the autonomous maneuvering of airship. Nonlinear sliding mode control framework is implemented in closed-loop for the guidance and control of the proposed airship maneuver. Pertinent simulation results are presented to prove the efficacy of the proposed approach. © 2019, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA. All rights reserved.