It is proposed a first step to the model-based closedloop control of a separated flow. In such situations, fluid mechanics phenomena are highly nonlinear and can be represented by means of the Navier-Stokes equations. However, such a model still rises difficult issues for control practice. This paper proposes an alternative, bilinear and delayed model, the accuracy of which is studied. The identification technique combines least-square technique with a Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) algorithm. The main feature of the model is state dependent structure of input delay.