PREDICTION OF OPTIMAL FLIGHT PROFILES FOR JET AIRCRAFT UNDER SHORT RANGE AND LOW FUEL CONDITIONS.
Abstract
There are many factors, such as aircraft configuration and weight, winds aloft, airspeeds flown, altitude, distance, etc., which affect fuel consumption in turbojet aircraft. For any given combination of these factors a flight path can be determined that will result in the least fuel consumed for a ground distance covered. Under divert conditions from aircraft carriers at sea to fields ashore the choice of the optimal flight path is critical. The many possible combinations of factors lead to the adoption of computer flight planning. Pilots can avail themselves of computer solutions during flight planning and briefing sessions, and after take-off can receive further information via UHF radio. Typical flight handbooks display fuel flow data, etc. in such a manner that the pilot must 'guesstimate' entry parameters such as average horizontal weight, or weight prior to descent. Several iterative procedures are developed that provide exact solutions to these important figures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0698498
Entities
People
- Frederick John West
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School