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Optimal paths for minimising landing transition distance for jet-lift VTOL aircraft

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

E. Huntley
E. Huntley*
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
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Extract

The question to be considered is the following—starting with the aircraft flying at the minimum conventional flying speed at a given height above the ground, how should the controls be operated and the flight path chosen, in order to bring the aircraft to rest on the ground in an optimum fashion? Optimum fashion can mean different things at different times but, in this context it usually means the simultaneous loss of speed and height in such a way that obstacles are surmounted but the total transi tion distance, time, or fuel used are minimised. The problem is one which may be solved mathematically by variational methods following Hacker or Brüning, but the approach in this study is a simpler one and is based on an intuitive search for near-optimum solutions by means of physical arguments.

Type
Technical Notes
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 76 , Issue 737 , May 1972 , pp. 308 - 317
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1972 

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References

1. Hacker, T. Problems of the dynamics and control of VTOL aircraft: Optimum guidance and stability. Paper 64-566; 4th Congress of ICAS, Paris 1964. RAE Library Translation 1186 (1966).Google Scholar
2. Brüning, G. Zur zeitoptimalen Transition von VTOL- Flugzeugen. Z. Flugwiss. 14 (1966), Heft 11/12, 479,490.Google Scholar
3. Lean, D. A discussion of some jet-lift V/STOL aircraft characteristics and their likely effect on operational applications. RAE Technical Report 66150 (ARC CP 1082) (1966).Google Scholar
4. Illingworth, J. K. B., Shayler, J. S. Blind flying of V/STOL aircraft, with particular reference to take off and landing. Symposium on V/STOL Aircraft AGARD, Paris, June 1960 (ARC 22427).Google Scholar
5. King, K. P., Mcpherson, A. A piloted simulator study of a jet VTOL aircraft in partially jet-borne flight. RAE Technical Report 68301 (ARC 31163) (1968).Google Scholar