Adaptive Aircraft Performance Model for Trajectory Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft performance models used in air traffic management lack accuracy due to not accounting for real-world performance degradation, leading to inefficient trajectory predictions and fuel consumption, as they rely on generic representations rather than actual flight data.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses recorded flight data to identify and model aircraft performance degradation, updating polynomial descriptions of aircraft performance models to reflect real-world conditions, focusing on engine and aerodynamic degradation, and iteratively adjusts coefficients to minimize prediction errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If generic nominal aircraft performance models are used, then the models are simple and widely accepted, but they lack accuracy in representing real aircraft performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing recorded flight data to extract performance parameters before modeling. The system prepares the data in advance by identifying aircraft state variables, weather conditions, and configuration data, then uses this pre-processed data to update the performance models, avoiding the need for complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing computed trajectory data with recorded trajectory data and iteratively adjusting aircraft degradation coefficients. The system calculates differences between predicted and actual performance, then uses this feedback to refine the polynomial descriptions of performance parameters, progressively improving accuracy
Solution Approach 3:
The patent applies parameter changes by updating the coefficients in polynomial expressions that describe aircraft performance parameters. The system modifies drag polar coefficients, engine thrust coefficients, and fuel consumption coefficients based on analyzed flight data, transforming the generic nominal model into an adaptive model that reflects actual aircraft degradation
2Reliability
If recorded flight data is used to update performance models, then the accuracy of trajectory predictions improves, but the data processing and model updating complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting specific performance parameters from comprehensive recorded flight data. The system identifies and extracts relevant state variables (position, speed, altitude, configuration) and separates them from other flight data, then uses only the necessary extracted information to update performance models, reducing processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a ground-based infrastructure that acts as a mediator between flight data recording and model updating. This intermediary system processes data offline, computes performance parameters, and updates models without requiring real-time onboard complexity, distributing the computational burden to ground systems
3Measurement precision
If adaptive performance models with degradation coefficients are implemented, then fuel consumption prediction accuracy improves, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing performance parameters and storing updated polynomial coefficients for different aircraft types and conditions. This pre-computation allows the system to use simplified lookup tables and pre-calculated degradation factors during actual trajectory predictions, reducing real-time computational power requirements while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming complex performance degradation phenomena into simplified polynomial coefficient adjustments. The system changes the parameters of the performance models from generic nominal values to adaptive values based on flight hours, cycles, and environmental conditions, enabling accurate fuel consumption prediction through manageable parameter modifications rather than complex computations
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for enhancing nominal aircraft performance models (APM) using flight data from operational aircraft. More specifically, the invention parameterizes the degradation of the aircraft performance caused by engine ageing (thrust reduction), reduced efficiency of aerodynamic surfaces, etc. The present invention obtains an enhanced APM by comparing the recorded trajectory data, collected in flight, with a computed trajectory data that consider the degradation of the aircraft performance over time, in an iterative manner until a predefined threshold is reached. This improves accuracy of the aircraft performance models available for trajectory prediction by accounting for degradation in performance.