Aircraft Economy Cruise Speed Optimization via Wind and Drag Modeling

The patent transforms the optimization problem by changing the parameter representation from traditional simplified models to a comprehensive model that includes wind velocity vector, parabolic drag polar parameters, and constant thrust specific fuel consumption. The cost function is reformulated in terms of Mach number and flight path angle, allowing exact analytical solutions that account for all operational factors without excessive computational complexity.

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating wind effects from the beginning of the optimization process rather than as a post-processing correction. The wind velocity vector is integrated into the fundamental cost function formulation, allowing the optimal Mach number to be calculated directly under actual wind conditions. This eliminates the need for separate correction steps and provides accurate results for operational use.

The patent handles the complex drag polar with compressibility effects by changing the parameterization approach. Instead of using traditional velocity-based formulations, the model expresses drag and fuel consumption in terms of Mach number and flight path angle. The parabolic drag polar parameters are integrated directly into the cost function, allowing accurate representation of compressibility effects and fuel consumption dependencies while maintaining analytical tractability through the transformed parameter space.