Formation Flight with In-flight Routing and Flexible Leader-Follower Arrangement

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Khoshnam, Shiva | 2021

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Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
Language: Farsi
Document No: 55301 (45)
University: Sharif University of Technology
Department: Aerospace Engineering
Advisor(s): MalaeK, Mohammad Bagher
Abstract:
To better facilitate the implementation of the so-called "Formation Flights," this work investigates the possibility of pair-wise switching of the leading aircraft so both aircraft benefit equivalently during a two-aircraft formation flight. The procedure allows all members of a formation group to fly in the wing vortex of one another in turns. A multiple-phase trajectory optimization framework has been developed using GPOPS algorithm, in which the switching point will be found thru minimizing total fuel consumption and flight time. A drag estimation model has been used to approximate the drag reduction factor as a function of lateral and longitudinal distances of two airplanes in an extended formation flight. We also consider the constraints imposed by the so-called TCAS. Different case studies reveal that the idea of "pair-wise switches" of the leading position allows a real-time share of potential benefits. Further investigation might be necessary to consider the effect of atmospheric turbulences such as head-wind as well as tail-wind.
Keywords:
Formation Flight ; Direct Collocation Method ; Optimal Control ; Leader-Follower Based Formation Control ; Pair-Wise Switching ; Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

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