Aircraft Descent Trajectory Adjustment Using Real Flight Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft descent trajectory adjustment systems rely on performance data that may not accurately reflect real engine capabilities, leading to suboptimal descent timing and increased fuel consumption due to engine degradation and aerodynamic changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjusts descent trajectory calculations using an adjustment parameter derived from real flight data, comparing effective engine performance values to theoretical values under identical conditions, allowing for precise adaptation of descent profiles and predictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard performance data from engine delivery are used for descent trajectory calculations, then the initial descent model is established, but the accuracy deteriorates over time due to engine degradation and aerodynamic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration flights to collect actual performance data before normal operations. These pre-collected data are used to create customized performance models that account for specific aircraft characteristics, engine variations, and aerodynamic properties, establishing an accurate baseline before the aircraft enters service
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects actual flight data during descent phases and compares it with predicted performance from the model. This feedback loop enables automatic updating of performance parameters, allowing the system to adapt to engine degradation and aerodynamic changes over the aircraft's service life, maintaining accuracy without manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration of performance data is performed, then accuracy can be improved, but the complexity and time required for calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs its own calibration by collecting flight data, comparing actual performance with predicted performance, and updating its models without external intervention. The aircraft essentially calibrates itself during normal operations, eliminating the need for complex manual calibration procedures while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts performance parameters based on collected data, transforming static delivery performance data into adaptive, living models. By changing parameters automatically based on real-world observations rather than manual adjustment, the system achieves high precision without increasing operational complexity
3Ease of operation
If descent trajectory is not accurately adjusted, then pilot operation becomes more difficult, but fuel consumption increases due to thrust increases and air brake deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and announces the optimal descent point to the pilot in advance, allowing proper planning of the descent trajectory. This preliminary information enables the pilot to initiate descent at the correct point without last-minute thrust increases or air brake deployment, ensuring both ease of operation and fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical interventions (thrust increases, air brake deployment) with informational guidance (descent point announcement). By providing accurate predictive information rather than relying on reactive mechanical corrections, the system reduces fuel consumption while simplifying pilot operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising an adjustment unit installed in an aircraft and configured to adjust a descent trajectory and associated prediction calculations as a function of an adjustment parameter. The system comprises information processing units for automatically calculating, on the ground and from recorded flight data, an effective value of a calculation parameter, and a corresponding theoretical value of the calculation parameter, with the help of an auxiliary performance database which is identical to a performance database installed in the aircraft, for identical flight conditions, and for deriving therefrom the adjustment parameter that will be used subsequently by the adjustment unit.