This paper proposes an adaptive sliding mode super-twisting differentiator which allows the gains to adapt based on the 'quality' of the sliding motion. A Lyapunov based analysis for the adaptive super-twisting scheme is presented to demonstrate its properties. As an example, the adaptive differentiator proposed in this paper has been used as part of a nonlinear FDI scheme for an Oscillatory Failure Case (OFC) in an actuator. The FDI scheme requires an estimate of the rod speed which is provided by the adaptive super-twisting differentiator. Due to the conditions in which the actuator operates, normally the differentiator gains are initialised at low values to ensure good rod speed estimation in fault free conditions. However for large amplitude/frequency OFCs, the gains must adapt in order to maintain sliding and provide a good estimation. Simulations on a high fidelity nonlinear aircraft benchmark model have been carried out for both liquid and solid OFCs. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.