Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-vsgnj Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-23T17:55:29.990Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Vertical flight profile optimization for a cruise segment with RTA constraints

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 August 2019

R. Dancila  and
R. Botez Open the ORCID record for R. Botez [Opens in a new window]
R. Dancila*
Affiliation:
École de Technologie Supérieure University of QuebecMontréal, Canada
R. Botez*
Affiliation:
École de Technologie Supérieure University of QuebecMontréal, Canada
*
radu-ioan.dancila.1@ens.etsmtl.ca
ruxandra.botez@etsmtl.ca
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a research performed at the Research Laboratory in Active Controls, Avionics and Aeroservoelasticty (LARCASE), at ÉTS, concerning optimisation strategies for cruise flight segments with imposed flight time (delimited by waypoints with required time of arrival constraints). Specifically, a new algorithm is presented that identifies the optimal vertical navigation profile (flight altitude and speed optimisation) for a cruise segment with imposed lateral navigation profile, bounded by two waypoints with required time of arrival constraints. The set of evaluated vertical navigation profiles are characterised by identical altitudes and speeds at their initial and final waypoints (at the beginning and the end of the cruise segment under optimisation), a maximum of one altitude step (relative to the initial altitude), and are flown at constant speed. This study investigates the flight performance increase (total cost reduction) for a flight along the optimal vertical navigation profile, relative to a flight at the optimal speed and initial cruise altitude. The evaluation was performed using a medium haul transport aircraft flight performance model, for three lateral navigation profiles and three wind profiles. The algorithm is targeted for Flight Management Systems platforms, to provide the optimal flight trajectory for the imposed lateral flight profile and time constraints.

Keywords

FMSRTATrajectory optimisationVertical flight profile
Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 123 , Issue 1265 , July 2019 , pp. 970 - 992
Copyright
© Royal Aeronautical Society 2019 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Dancila, R.I. Algorithme d’optimisation du profil vertical pour un segment de vol en croisière avec une contrainte d’heure d’arrivée requise, Master’s Degree Thesis, École de technologie supérieure, 2013.Google Scholar
Gautier, M.M., Dancila, R., and Botez, R.M. Optimization of the cruise regime of flight airplane trajectory using deterministic algorithms, 15th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, 2015, p. 3179.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sidibe, S., and Botez, R. Trajectory optimization of FMS-CMA 9000 by dynamic programming, CASI AÉRO 2013 Conference, 60th Aeronautics Conference and AGM, Toronto, Canada, April 30th–May 2nd, 2013.Google Scholar
Dancila, B., Botez, R.M., and Labour, D. Fuel burn prediction algorithm for cruise, constant speed and level flight segments, The Aeronautical Journal, 2013, 117 (1191), pp 491–503.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patron, R.F., Botez, R.M., and Labour, D. Optimized cruise in the presence of winds for the FMS CMA-9000 using genetic algorithms, CASI AÉRO 2013 Conference, 60th Aeronautics Conference and AGM, Toronto, Canada, April 30th–May 2nd, 2013.Google Scholar
Patron, R.F., Botez, R.M., and Labour, D. Optimized climb for the FMS CMA-9000 using genetic algorithms, CASI AÉRO 2013 Conference, 60th Aeronautics Conference and AGM, Toronto, Canada, April 30th–May 2nd, 2013.Google Scholar
Gagné, J., Murrieta, A., Botez, R., and Labour, D. New method for aircraft fuel saving using Flight Management System and its validation on the L-1011 aircraft, 2013 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC), Los Angeles, USA, 2013.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patron, R.F., Botez, R.M., and Labour, D. Speed and altitude optimization on the FMS CMA-9000 for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 using genetic algorithms, 2013 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC), Los Angeles, USA, 2013.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patron, R.F., Botez, R.M., and Labour, D. Low calculation time interpolation method on the altitude optimization algorithm for the FMS CMA-9000 improvement on the A-310 and L-1011 aircraft, 2013 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC), Los Angeles, USA, 2013.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dancila, R., Botez, R., and Ford, S. Fuel burn and emissions evaluation for a missed approach procedure performed by a B737-400, 2013 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference and International Powered Lift Conference (IPLC), Los Angeles, USA, 2013.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patron, R.F., Kessaci, A., Botez, R.M., and Labour, D. Flight trajectories optimization under the influence of winds using genetic algorithms, AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, Boston, USA, 2013.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liden, S. Practical considerations in optimal flight management computations, American Control Conference, 1985, pp 675–681. IEEE.Google Scholar
Robertson, B. Fuel conservation strategies: cost index explained. Boeing Aero Quarterly 2, 2007, pp 26–28.Google Scholar
Robertson, W., Root, R., and Adams, D., Fuel conservation strategy: cruise flight. Boeing Aero Quarterly 4, 2007, pp 23–27.Google Scholar
Dejonge, M.K., and Syblon, W. Application of cost index to fleet hub operation, American Control Conference, 1984, pp 179–183. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Botez, R. GPA-745: Introduction à l’avionique: notes de laboratoire GPA-745. Programme de Baccalauréat et Maîtrise en génie. Montréal: École de Technologie Supérieure, 2006, multiple pagination 99 p.Google Scholar
Liden, S. Optimum cruise profiles in the presence of winds, IEEE/AIAA 11th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, Proceedings, 1992, pp 254–261. IEEE.Google Scholar
Schreur, J.M. B737 Flight management computer flight plan trajectory computation and analysis, Proceedings of the 1995 American Control Conference, 1995, vol. 5, pp 3419–3424. IEEE.Google Scholar
Liden, S. The evolution of flight management system, 13th DASC, AIAA/IEEE Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 1995, pp 157–169. IEEE.Google Scholar
Sorensen, J.A., Morello, S.A., and Erzberger, H. Application of trajectory optimisation principles to minimize aircraft operating costs, 18th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control including the Symposium on Adaptive Processes, 1979, vol. 18, pp 415–421. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sorensen, J.A. Generation and evaluation of near-optimal vertical flight profiles, American Control Conference, 1983, pp 513–518. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Knuth, D.E. Tratat de programarea calculatoarelor: Sortare si cautare. Bucuresti: Editura Tehnica, 736p, 1976.Google Scholar
Mohleji, S.C. Air traffic control automation concepts to optimize flight management system utilization, Record. Navigation into the 21st Century, IEEE Position Location and Navigation Symposium IEEE PLANS’88, 1988, pp 341–346. IEEEGoogle Scholar
Rodriguez, J.M.C., Deniz, L.G., Herrero, J.G., and Portas, J.B. A model to 4D descent trajectory guidance, IEEE/AIAA 26th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, DASC’07, 2007, pp 1.C.2-1, 1.C.2-12. IEEE.Google Scholar
Guibert, S., Guichard, L., Rihacek, C., and Grau, J.Y. Result from evaluation of 4d trajectory management with contract-of-objectives, IEEE/AIAA 28th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, DASC’09, 2009, pp 3.D.5-1, 3.D.5-11. IEEE.Google Scholar
de Smedt, D., and Putz, T. Flight simulations using time control with different levels of flight guidance, IEEE/AIAA 28th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, DASC’09, 2009, pp 2.C.5-1, 2.C.5-15. IEEE.Google Scholar
Jardin, M.R. 4D air traffic control for non-4D-equipped aircraft, Proceedings of the 1997 American Control Conference, 1997, vol. 2, pp 1101–1108. IEEE.Google Scholar
Haraldsdottir, A., Berge, M.E., Kang, L.S., Schoemig, E.G., Alcabin, M.S., Repetto, B.W., and Carter, M.L. Required navigation performance and 3D paths in high-traffic ATM operations, IEEE/AIAA 25th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 2006, pp 1–13. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ostwald, P. Impacts of ATC related maneuvers on meeting a required time of arrival, IEEE/AIAA 25th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 2006, pp 1–12. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
de Smedt, D., and Berz, G. Study of the required time of arrival function of current FMS in an ATM context, IEEE/AIAA 26th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, DASC’07, 2007, pp 1.D.5-1, 1.D.5-10. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Paglione, M., Musialek, B., Pankok, C., and Young, C. Trajectory predictor performance experiment using required time of arrival during descent, IEEE/AIAA 30th Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 2011, pp 2D3-1, 2D3-10. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pargett, D.M., and Ardema, M.D. Flight path optimization at constant altitude, J Guidance, Control, and Dynamics 30, 2007, (4), pp 1197–1201.Google Scholar
Waller, M.C., Rigopoulos, J.G., Blackman, D.R., and Berreen, T.F. Considerations in the application of dynamic programming to optimal aircraft trajectory generation, Proceedings of the IEEE 1990 National Aerospace and Electronics Conference, NAECON 1990, 1990, vol. 2, pp 574–579. IEEE.Google Scholar
Dejonge, M.K. Time controlled navigation and guidance for 737 aircraft, Proceedings of the IEEE 1988 National Aerospace and Electronics Conference, NAECON 1988, 1988, pp 546–549. IEEE.Google Scholar
Di Vito, V., Corraro, F., Ciniglio, U., and Verde, L. An overview on systems and algorithms for on-board 3D/4D trajectory management, Recent Patents on Engineering 3, 1999, (3), pp 149–169.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Steria, G.G., Allignol, C., and Durand, N. The influence of uncertainties on traffic control using speed adjustments, Proceedings of the Ninth USA/Europe Air Traffic Management Research and Development Seminar (ATM2011), 2011, Berlin (Germany).Google Scholar
Mondoloni, S., Swierstra, S., and Paglione, M. Assessing trajectory prediction performance-metrics definition, The 24th Digital Avionics Systems Conference, DASC 2005, 2005, vol. 1, pp 3.C.1., 31–13. IEEE.Google Scholar
Klooster, J.K., Del Amo, A., and Manzi, P. Controlled time-of-arrival flight trials, Proc. Eighth USA/Europe Air Traffic Management Research and Development Seminar, 2009.Google Scholar
Hagelauer, P., and Mora-Camino, F. A soft dynamic programming approach for on-line aircraft 4d-trajectory optimization, European Journal of Operational Research 107, 1998, (1), pp 87–95.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ding, J., and Tomlin, C.J. Trajectory optimization in convex underapproximations of safe regions, Proceedings of the 48th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, held jointly with the 2009 28th Chinese Control Conference, CDC/CCC 2009, 2009, pp 2510–2515. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bouadi, H., Brandao Ramos, A.C., Mique, T., and Mora-Camino, F. Aircraft trajectory management and control with spatial reference, 10th IEEE International Conference on Control and Automation (ICCA), 2013, pp 1592–1597. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Girardet, B., Lapasset, L., Delahaye, D., Rabut, C., and Brenier, Y. Generating optimal aircraft trajectories with respect to weather conditions, 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Science for Innovative Air Traffic Management ISIATM, 2013.Google Scholar
Palopo, K., Windhorst, R.D., Suharwardy, S., and Lee, H.T. Wind-optimal routing in the national airspace system, Journal of Aircraft 47, 2010, (5), pp 1584–1592.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ng, H.K., Sridhar, B., and Grabbe, S. A practical approach for optimizing aircraft trajectories in winds, IEEE/AIAA 31st Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 2012, pp 3D6-1, 3D6-14. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Slater, G.L. Adaptive improvement of aircraft climb performance for air traffic control applications, Proceedings of the 2002 IEEE International Symposium on Intelligent Control, 2002, pp 602–607. IEEE.Google Scholar
Degen, S.C., Alvarez, L.M., Ford, J.J., and Walker, R.A. Tensor field guidance for time-based waypoint arrival of UAVs by 4D trajectory generation, IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2009, pp 1–7. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Warren, A.W., and Ebrahimi, Y.S. Vertical path trajectory prediction for next generation ATM, Proceedings, 17th DASC, The AIAA/IEEE/SAE Digital Avionics Systems Conference, 1998, vol. 2, pp F11/1–F11/8. IEEE.Google Scholar
Hunter, G., Boisvert, B., Smith, J., and Marien, T. NAS-wide traffic flow management concept using required time of arrival, separation assurance and weather routing, IEEE/AIAA 31st Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 2012, pp 3D2-1, 3D2-10. IEEE.CrossRefGoogle Scholar