Multiple-Phase Trajectory Optimization for Formation Flight in Civil Aviation

Abstract

A tool is developed that is able to optimize the trajectories of multiple aircraft that fly in formation in order to obtain the minimum total fuel consumption. Several experiments are conducted to investigate the benefits of formation flight for commercial aircraft. Finally, also the influences of wind and delay on the trajectories of the aircraft that join in the formation are examinedAerospace EngineeringControl and OperationsAerospace Transport & Operation