The problem of determining aircraft motions along a trajectory is solved using a variational algorithm that generates unmeasured states and forcing functions, and estimates instrument bias and scale-factor errors. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear fixed-interval smoothing problem, and is solved as a sequence or linear two-point boundary value problems, using a sweep method. The algorithm has been implemented for use in flight-test and accident analysis. Aircraft motions are assumed to be governed by a six-degree-of-freedom kinematic model; forcing functions consist of body accelerations and winds, and the measurement model includes aerodynamic and radar data. Examples of the determination of aircraft motions from typical flight-test and accident data are presented.


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    Title :

    A Variational Technique for Smoothing Flight-Test and Accident Data


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference ; 1980 ; Danvers, MA, United States


    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1982-07-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English