Optimization of the flight trajectory of a non-manoeuvrable aircraft to minimize fuel consumption by the dynamic programming method

Abstract

Using Bellman's dynamic programming method, a fuel-consumption optimum flight trajectory of a typical mid-range aircraft is constructed for a prescribed range. The optimum trajectory was calculated for the full model of motion of the aircraft along a trajectory in a vertical plane. Optimization was realized simultaneously for the whole trajectory without decomposing the process into individual steps. The method made it possible to take into account all restrictions imposed both by technical peculiarities of the aircraft and also by other requirements – safety and comfort of the passengers.