Aircraft Performance Model Update via Flight Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft performance models become outdated as aircraft age and undergo changes, leading to sub-optimal flight planning and increased fuel burn, as they are typically based on original data rather than current operational status.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft performance analysis system that updates the performance model using flight data from individual aircraft, comparing current flight parameters with original parameters to generate a current performance model, which is continuously adapted to reflect the aircraft's actual operational status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common performance model is used for all aircraft of a particular model, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because individual aircraft performance variations are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the performance model from a single common model into individualized models for each aircraft. The system creates separate performance models tailored to each aircraft's specific characteristics and operational history, thereby capturing individual variations while maintaining manageable complexity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing performance models for each individual aircraft based on its specific operational data, configuration, and performance characteristics. Each aircraft receives a localized performance model that reflects its unique qualities rather than applying a uniform model across the entire fleet.
2Ease of operation
If flight plans are determined based on original performance models, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information occurs because current operational status changes are not reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual aircraft performance data and using this information to update and refine performance models. The system feeds back operational data from flights to improve the accuracy of future performance predictions, ensuring that current operational status is reflected in flight planning decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static original performance models to dynamic models that adapt and evolve based on accumulated operational data. The performance models are continuously updated to reflect current aircraft status, configuration changes, and operational experiences, making them dynamic rather than fixed.
3Productivity
If performance models are not updated for aging aircraft, then productivity is maintained through consistent procedures, but loss of substance occurs due to unnecessary fuel burn from sub-optimal flight planning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by updating performance model parameters based on actual operational data from aging aircraft. The system adjusts performance parameters to reflect current aircraft condition, configuration changes, and operational experience, thereby optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining operational consistency through systematic updates.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft performance analysis system and method include a performance analysis control unit that receives original performance model data, receives flight data from an aircraft, and determines a current performance model for the aircraft based on the original performance model data and the flight data.