Model-based system assessment and trajectory optimization on aircraft level

Abstract

The quantification of aircraft level benefits like the reduction of mass, drag, power offtake, and consequently fuel burn is a key aspect in assessing new technologies like green taxiing systems, electrical environmental control systems, and optimized aircraft trajectories. A basic means to determine these deltas is a detailed dynamic model of the aircraft containing the flight dynamics, kinematics, aerodynamics, engine behaviour and emissions as well as systems for ground operations. This paper shows the principles of this model-based approach and gives quantitative results with respect to fuel consumption, NOx and noise emission for two examples, a trajectory optimization case and an electric drive system for taxiing without main engines. This kind of model-based approach can be extended to the assessment of new technologies in a realistic, everyday operational situation, ultimately helping stakeholders in the decision whether adopting innovations in a specific operational case.