This paper presents a trajectory parameterization method for calculating emergency flight paths with variable airspeeds under conditions of constant wind. The method is based on the Dubins curve; however, it has been modified to allow for acceleration along the path and finite rate of change in turn rate. The aircraft’s planar trajectory from an initial condition to a terminal condition is parameterized into a small set of path-defining variables. The method uses a number of closed-form solutions and simple iteration schemes to efficiently calculate a path that meets the specified constraints. The parametrized path can then be optimized to minimize a performance objective for real-time emergency path planning. For emergency flight planning, the vertical degree of freedom is treated as a function of the aircraft state and parametric controls, and the optimization is formulated to ensure touchdown at a desired location and aircraft state. The performance of the proposed method is investigated using several test cases, including landing of a commercial jet following total loss of thrust and autorotative recovery of a utility helicopter following total loss of power.
Modified Dubins parameterization for aircraft emergency trajectory planning
01.02.2017
20 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Modified Dubins parameterization for aircraft emergency trajectory planning
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