Lateral Escape Guidance Strategies for Microburst Windshear Encounters

Abstract

We present the outcome of a preliminary research effort involving the development of a near-optimal lateral escape guidance technique for aircraft encountering a microburst on final approach. The proposed guidance technique relies either on in situ or on relatively short-range forward-look windshear detection. Simulated guidance solutions are evaluated in terms of recovery-altitude performance and robustness to uncertainty in microburst size and strength. Based on a comparison with exact open-loop optimal solutions, the employed technique of directing the aircraft toward a target recovery altitude constitutes itself as a very promising longitudinal guidance strategy. The lateral escape strategy, though very simple, also proved to be very effective, reconfirming the overall benefits of lateral escape vis-a-vis nonturning escape. Before a practical implementation of the guidance strategies can take place, several issues still need be addressed. This paper briefly outlines the missing elements to provide a framework for future research and development.