A True Airspeed Correction Methodology For Aircraft Fuel Consumption Calculations
Abstract
A methodology is described to derive corrected True Airspeed (TAS) values for inclusion in fuel consumption calculations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Earlier work to develop a UAS Fuel Consumption Algorithm (FCA) relied upon default TAS values that are published in the aircraft's operations manual. Use of a default TAS in the FCA can result in fuel consumption estimations that are in error by as much as 10-20%. The TAS calculations described herein incorporate meteorological parameters that can be obtained via standard on-board instruments that are readily-available to the UAS mission commander. The step-by-step process to derive corrected TAS is explained in some detail, and a real-world example is included by which the results are verified. It is anticipated that the corrected TAS methodology will eventually be incorporated into the FCA software.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA535891
Entities
People
- Terry Jameson
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory