Abstract
Performance sensitivity may be compensated by adjusting the nominal trajectory to be fuel optimal for the specific variation under consideration. As a first step, optimal cruise points are determined for each variation using Eq. (3). Only variations in the drag coefficients, aircraft weight, and atmospheric conditions cause a shift in the cruise point. The cruise point shifts upward as the drag coefficients and aircraft weight increase, and it shifts downward as the parameters decrease; while a Hot Day atmosphere causes the cruise point to shift upward and a Cold Day atmosphere causes a downward shift. Using the values for (ocDc/Vc) calculated at these adjusted cruise points, the adjusted minimum fuel trajectory for each variation is determined. The fuel performance sensitivity for each variation is given in Table 3. Path adjustment causes very little, if any significant improvement in fuel consumption for any of the parametric or atmospheric variations. For example, when aircraft weight is increased by 20% along the nominal path, fuel consumption increases by 23%. However, when the nominal trajectory is adjusted to be fuel optimal for a 20% weight increase, the fuel consumption is increased by 22% representing a 1% improvement. Obviously, adjusting the nominal trajectory to be fuel optimal for the parameters examined here fails to provide significant improvement in fuel consumption.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
