Aircraft Wind Estimation Using Angle of Attack and Side Slip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for estimating wind from an aircraft during approach and landing phases provide erroneous results due to the neglect of the aircraft's angle of attack and side slip, leading to discrepancies with control tower data and redundant channel disagreements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that incorporate the aircraft's angle of attack and side slip information to estimate wind components relative to a terrestrial frame of reference, using simplified formulas to calculate the Flight Path Angle and True Track Angle, and combining data from anemometric sensors and satellite positioning systems for precise wind estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wind estimation methods are used (based only on ground speed and true air speed), then the calculation is simple, but the measurement precision is poor and erroneous results occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces two new parameters (angle of attack and side slip angle) to the traditional wind estimation calculation. By incorporating these additional parameters into the calculation formula, the system achieves more accurate wind estimation results. The new formula becomes: Wind = Ground Speed Vector - True Air Speed Vector adjusted by angle of attack and side slip angles, transforming the estimation from a simple two-parameter calculation to a four-parameter calculation that captures the aircraft's actual orientation and movement more accurately.
2Measurement precision
If angle of attack and side slip information are incorporated, then wind estimation precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing aircraft sensors (angle of attack sensor and side slip sensor) that are already part of the aircraft's flight instrumentation system. By integrating these existing sensors into the wind estimation calculation, the system achieves improved precision without adding significant hardware complexity. The same sensors used for flight control and stability also serve the wind estimation function, demonstrating multi-functionality.
3Reliability
If only ground speed and true air speed are used, then the device complexity is low, but reliability is poor due to erroneous results and disagreements with control tower data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the estimated wind components with expected values or control tower observations. The system continuously refines the wind estimation by incorporating angle of attack and side slip angle measurements, creating a closed-loop system that validates and adjusts the wind calculation. This feedback approach ensures the reliability of wind estimation by cross-checking against multiple independent measurement sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for an aircraft moving in an air mass relative to a terrestrial frame of reference. The device can estimate at least one characteristic of a displacement of the air mass relative to the frame of reference. The device receives an element of information about the speed of the aircraft in the frame of reference, receives at least one element of information about the speed of the aircraft in the air, and obtains the characteristic from the speed information elements. The device is capable of receiving an element of information about the angle of attack (α) of the aircraft in the air, and is capable of determining the characteristic on the basis in particular of the angle of attack information element (α).