Wind Shear Effect on Final Glide

Abstract

University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388-9700 The effect of a wind gradient on the flight path of an aircraft in gliding flight on final approach to landing was investigated. The aircraft was assumed to fly from a given altitude to ground level in a steady descent in three conditions: First, in still air; second, in a steady headwind; third, in a wind gradient. The last condition matched the headwind velocity at the start altitude, then steadily decreased to match the still air condition at ground level. Both analytical methods and flight simulation were used. The result of the analysis shows that the presence of wind shear significantly reduces aircraft glide range and flight time. Nomenclature D = drag E = energy E = energy flow, power ( dt dE / ) g = acceleration of gravity h = height L = lift m = aircraft mass V = velocity W = aircraft weight t = time  = flight path angle relative to ground  = glide angle relative to air mass ____________________________________