Aircraft Mathematical Model Identification for Flight Trajectories and Performance Analysis in Cruise

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model for estimating the performance and flight trajectories in cruise is identified from data available in flight manuals. The first part of this paper focuses on the design of a fuel flow and emissions model. Starting from the equations of motion of an aircraft in cruise, a simplified model representing the fuel flow in a corrected form was developed. A practical algorithm was next developed to identify the aircraft model parameters and to determine the mathematical structure that reflects its fuel flow. This process was done using performance data available in the aircraft flight crew operating manual. The emissions model was also developed based on data available in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s engine emissions databank. The second part of the paper deals with the development of algorithms for predicting the trajectories and calculating the optimal speeds (i.e., maximum range, long range, and economy) of the aircraft in cruise. Practical techniques for storing and retrieving information without using optimization algorithms have been considered. The methodology was applied on both a Cessna Citation X business jet and Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet aircraft. The comparison results showed a very good agreement for the fuel consumption and optimal speed.