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Article
Publication date: 31 July 2023

Daniel Lichoń, Andrzej Robert Majka and Tomasz Lis

The purpose of this paper was to elaborate the performance model of the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) which was destined for simulations of the construction…

61

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to elaborate the performance model of the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) which was destined for simulations of the construction characteristics, airspeeds and trajectory of flight in the controlled, non-segregated airspace according to the standard instrument departure and arrival procedures (SIDs and STARs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used systems engineering approach: decomposition of RPAS performance model into components, relations and its connection with components of controlled the airspace system. Fast-time simulations (FTS) method, which included investigation of many scenarios of the system work, minimizing the number of input variables and low computing power demand, is also used.

Findings

Performance envelope of many fixed-wing RPAS was not published. The representative RPAS geometry configuration was feasible to implement. Power unit model and aerodynamic model needed to be accommodated to RPAS category. The range of aircraft minimum drag coefficient differed in the investigated range of take-off mass and wing loading.

Research limitations/implications

Fixed-wing RPAS of small and medium categories cover take-off mass (25–450 kg), wing loading (40–900 N/m2) and power loading (8–40 W/N).

Practical implications

This is a research on integration of the RPAS in the controlled, non-segregated airspace. The results of the work may be used in broadening the knowledge of the RPAS characteristics from the perspective of operators, designers and air traffic services.

Originality/value

The elaborated performance model of the RPAS used the minimum number of three input variables (take-off mass, wing loading and power loading) in identification of the complete RPAS characteristics, i.e. construction features (aerodynamic, propulsion and loads) and flight parameters (airspeeds and flight trajectory).

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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Article
Publication date: 3 May 2016

Andrzej Robert Majka

The purpose of the paper is to determine the optimal conditions of the take-off and the optimal trajectory of the initial climb minimizing the fuel consumption of the aircraft…

177

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine the optimal conditions of the take-off and the optimal trajectory of the initial climb minimizing the fuel consumption of the aircraft aided in the ground phase of the take-off by the system using the MAGLEV technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The study concerned determining the optimal trajectory of the initial phase of the transport aircraft climb aided in the phase of acceleration by the system using the magnetic levitation phenomenon. The simplified algorithm of the Ritz–Galerkin method was used in this work which uses an approximate solution to boundary value problems for determining the optimal flight trajectory. It uses the method of approximation of the flight path by the third-degree polynomial. The method allows determining the optimal trajectory of the flight satisfying the initial/final conditions and control functions and path constrains for an aircraft. General stating of the task supposes determining the optimal trajectory of movement of a flying vehicle described by the system of ordinary differential equations. The resulting sparse non-linear programming problem has been solved using own elaborated software. The typical profiles computation has been performed with a tool combining three degree of freedom flight dynamics differential equations with procedure-oriented flight control.

Findings

Different conditions of the take-off of the aircraft aided by the ground system using the MAGLEV technology give possibilities to shape the trajectory of the initial stage of the aircraft climb after the lift-off to decrease the negative influence on the environment. Optimization of the departure trajectory minimizing fuel consumption or noise emissions can become the basis for working out new procedures for a new kind of take-off modified in relation to the optimal solution which will increase the safety of this segment of the flight.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was carried out only for the departure trajectory to minimize fuel consumption, without investigation of possibilities of noise reduction. The trajectory guaranteeing minimization of the fuel consumption would also give a solution characterized by minimal emission of substances harmful for the environment.

Practical implications

Application of the innovatory solution of aided take-off is connected with modification of the climbing procedures after the take-off to minimize the negative effect of the aircraft on the surrounded environment. The results can become the basis for working out new procedures which will minimize negative influence to the natural environment in the vicinity of the airports of air transport and increase safety of the take-off and landing operations.

Originality/value

Innovative method of the take-off implies new shape of the trajectory. The study presents the results of the climb trajectory optimization of the aircraft supported at the ground stage by the technology using magnetic levitation phenomenon.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 88 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Andrzej Robert Majka

The purpose of the paper is to analyze changes in the selected characteristics of an aircraft aided by a ground-based system using magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) to support safe…

3225

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze changes in the selected characteristics of an aircraft aided by a ground-based system using magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) to support safe take-off.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of the mass characteristics of the main aircraft units with conventional constructing solutions was carried out in this paper. It allowed determining the mass of these units and verifying the obtained results on the basis of the known examples. Thanks to such an approach it was possible to determine the mass of the aircraft modified for the requirements of the ground and on-board system for support of the aircraft safe take-off and landing (GABRIEL) system taking into account the change in the weights of the modified units (fuselage, wings, power unit, landing gear, etc.). The weight of the aircraft in its basic version was determined on the basis of the common knowledge and methods described in the scientific literature which are based on the statistical analysis. The weight of the modified units for the needs of the GABRIEL system was determined on the basis of similar formulas taking into account the constructional changes in the airframe. The thrust required of the power unit was determined on the basis of the analysis of the steady state of the horizontal flight for the calculating aerodynamic characteristics determined by conventional methods. The characteristics in the take-off phase were determined solving the equation of motion of the aircraft influenced by the aerodynamic, electrodynamic forces and the forces that come from the power unit.

Findings

The preliminary analysis shows that the take-off aid system that uses the phenomenon of MAGLEV is possible to be created using the present-day technology. However, the costs of its realization would make it economically unproved. But it could increase safety and reduce harmful influence on the environment caused by taking-off and landing aircrafts.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis was carried out only for one chosen version of the solution which according to the author has the greatest chance to succeed. At the present-day state of the art, it seems problematic to use the proposed system to aid landing.

Practical implications

The work shows a practical possibility to implement the proposed solution. The results of the analyses are a separate point for further research of similar systems.

Originality/value

The work presents one of the aspects of the potential application of the innovatory conception of take-off and landing aid of transport aircrafts by the ground-based system using the MAGLEV technology.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 85 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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