Aircraft Formation Flight Pairing for Wake Vortex Fuel Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack the capability to effectively pair leader and follower aircraft to form fuel-saving formations due to rigid flight plans and the complexity of determining compatible pairs amidst numerous aircraft in the air with different routes and directions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that identify, assess, and validate flight plan modifications to enable follower aircraft to fly in the wake vortices of leader aircraft, adjusting flight plans to achieve net trip fuel savings while ensuring compliance with operator preferences and air traffic regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If flight plans are modified to enable formation flight for fuel savings, then fuel consumption is reduced, but flight plan rigidity and regulatory compliance become more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidflight plan flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts flight plans by identifying common ground sections between leader and follower aircraft routes, and modifying speed profiles within these sections to enable formation flight. The modification is not static but adapts to the specific geometric and temporal characteristics of each potential pairing, allowing flexible integration of fuel-saving maneuvers while maintaining overall flight plan integrity and regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key flight parameters including speed, altitude, and timing to create optimal formation flight conditions. By adjusting the speed profile of both leader and follower aircraft within identified common ground sections, and modifying arrival times at waypoints, the system enables fuel-saving formation flight while ensuring that all modified parameters remain within safe and regulatory limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If flight plans are adjusted to position follower aircraft in wake vortices, then fuel savings are achieved, but air traffic management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel savingsVSAvoidair traffic management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the flight paths of leader and follower aircraft to identify specific common ground sections where formation flight can occur. By dividing the overall flight into distinct segments (pre-formation, formation, post-formation phases), the system manages air traffic complexity locally within each segment rather than requiring system-wide reconfiguration, thereby reducing overall management complexity while achieving fuel savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that automatically calculates optimal formation flight parameters, including speed adjustments and positioning relative to wake vortices. This intermediary processing layer handles the complex air traffic management calculations, shielding human operators from direct engagement with the complexity while enabling precise control of formation flight dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flight plans are modified to create common ground sections, then formation flight capability is enabled, but original route efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation flight capabilityVSAvoidflight time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial modification to flight plans by identifying and utilizing only the common ground sections where formation flight is beneficial, rather than requiring complete route realignment. By implementing formation flight only in specific segments where routes overlap sufficiently, the system enables formation flight capability while minimizing deviations from original efficient routes and reducing associated time losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enables the formation of fuel-saving flight pairs by adjusting flight plans to position follower aircraft in the upwash region of leader aircraft, resulting in significant fuel savings while maintaining safe and efficient air traffic operations.

Implementation Method 1

An aircraft in flight generates two wake vortices in its wake—one from each of the wings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWake vortices: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

fly in formation behind the leading aircraft in the upwash region of the trailing vortices, to take advantage of their energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUpwash region:

Data Source

PatentUS12014639B2Processes for saving fuel for an aircraft flight

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

A process for pairing two aircraft together to save fuel. After evaluating whether two aircraft may possibly be paired together in a formation for fuel savings, the process determines new flight plans for both aircraft, allowing the second aircraft to save fuel by flying behind the first aircraft so that the second aircraft utilizes the energy of the wake vortices generated by the first aircraft. Based on the new flight plan, the process determines if there is a net trip fuel savings for the pair.