Optimal 3-Dimensional Minimum Time Turns for an Aircraft
Abstract
Using a 3-dimensional formulation for an aircraft's dynamics, the required controls for a minimum time-to-turn are calculated. Three controls are used: angle of attack, bank angle, and thrust. The minimum time-to-turn solutions are subject to varying terminal conditions on both flight path angle and heading angle. In general, the times for the turns are not greatly changed by varying thrust/weight ratios or the final flight path angle. Significant effects on the change in total energy, final altitude, final velocity and control histories are noted for variations of the above parameters. Solutions to the above are accomplished through the use of Miele's Sequential Gradient- Restoration Algorithm.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0742266
Entities
People
- George R. Hennig
- Larry A. Helgeson
- Robert P. Humphreys
- William A. Bolding
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory