Optimum Cruise Performance.

Abstract

This report considers the cruise performance of a jet-propelled aircraft at high speed. The two problems of cruise with maximum range and with maximum endurance are analyzed. In each problem, for any given aircraft aerodynamics and engine characteristics, the equation for determining the optimum Mach number for cruise is derived. For maximum range, there exists an optimum cruise altitude. For the maximum endurance problem, the effect of the altitude on performance is negligible. It is shown that in both problems, constant Mach number cruise is a satisfactory flying technique. In the true optimum solution the optimum Mach number slowly decreases along the flight path. In this case, the singular thrust control is obtained explicitly as function of the Mach number. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA062607

Entities

People

  • Nguyen X. Vinh

Organizations

  • Flight Dynamics Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Altitude
  • Differential Equations
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Equations Of State
  • Flight Paths
  • Fuel Consumption
  • Level Flight
  • Mach Number
  • Mass Flow
  • Military Aircraft
  • Thrust Control
  • Transport Aircraft

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers