An algorithm, based on the energy-state method, is derived for calculating optimum trajectories with a range constraint. The basis of the algorithm is the assumption that optimum trajectories consist of, at most, three segments: an increasing energy segment (climb); a constant energy segment (cruise); and a decreasing energy segment (descent). The algorithm is used to compute minimum fuel, minimum time, and minimum direct-operating-cost trajectories, with range as a parameter, for an in-service CTOL aircraft and for an advanced STOL aircraft. Use of a simplified trajectory increases the fuel consumption of the total descent trajectory by about 10 percent and the time to fly the descent by about 19 percent compared to the optimum.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Optimum flight profiles for short haul missions


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Guidance and Control Conference ; 1975 ; Boston, MA


    Publication date :

    1975-08-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English