An optimal flight path algorithm using a simplified altitude state model and an apriori climb-cruise-descent flight profile has been developed and applied to determine minimum fuel and minimum cost trajectories for a helicopter flying a fixed range trajectory. The performance model is based on standard flight manual data and is such that on-line trajectory optimization is feasible with a relatively small computer. The results show that the optimal flight path and optimal cruise altitude can represent a 10 percent fuel saving on a minimum fuel trajectory. The optimal trajectories show considerable variability due to helicopter weight, ambient winds and the relative cost trade-off between time and fuel. In general, 'reasonable' variations from the optimal velocities and cruise altitudes do not significantly degrade the optimal cost.
Optimal short range trajectories for helicopters
1983-08-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Optimal Short-Range Trajectories for Helicopters
AIAA | 1984
|Optimal short range trajectories for helicopters
AIAA | 1983
|Optimal short-range trajectories for helicopters
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