AIRCRAFT TRAJECTORIES
Optimal Aircraft Trajectories for Specified Range
For an aircraft operating over a fixed range, minimum fuel and minimum time trajectories are relatively easy to calculate, but the determination of a minimum cost trajectory can be a complex undertaking. This computer program was developed to optimize trajectories with respect to a cost function based on a weighted sum of fuel cost and time cost. As a research tool, the program could be used to study various characteristics of optimum trajectories and their comparison to standard trajectories. It might also be used to generate a model for the development of an airborne trajectory optimization system. The program could be incorporated into an airline flight planning system, with optimum flight plans determined at takeoff time for the prevailing flight conditions. The use of trajectory optimization could significantly reduce the cost for a given aircraft mission.
Program Size: 2,583 Statements
Computer Language: FORTRAN IV
Copyright (c) 1996 Pacific HiTech, Inc. and COSMIC 
