Abstract
This paper describes the development of an optimization-based multi-stage centralized planning system for the efficient routing and assignment of extended flight formations in commercial airline operations. In an extended formation, where aircraft are longitudinally separated by 5-40 wingspans, a trailing aircraft can attain a reduction in induced drag at fixed lift, and consequently in fuel burn, by flying in the upwash of the leading aircraft’s wake. To organize the assembly of flight formations on a network-wide scale essentially two distinct approaches can be taken, viz., a centralized approach and a decentralized approach. Both approaches have distinct advantages and disadvantages. In this study a novel multi-stage method for flight formation assignment is proposed that combines the advantages of the decentralized approach (fast computation and reduced vulnerability to flight delays) with the main benefit of the centralized approach (a near-global optimum in terms of fuel savings). The multi-stage centralized approach that we propose is validated and subsequently demonstrated in a case study involving a wave of 267 eastbound transatlantic flights. In the case study fuel savings of 6.8% are recorded (relative to flying “solo”), while flying in formations comprising up to 16 aircraft.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Vehicle Technology and Intelligent Transport Systems |
Editors | Markus Helfert, Oleg Gusikhin |
Publisher | SciTePress |
Pages | 47-58 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-989-758-293-6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Event | 4th International Conference on Vehicle Technology and Intelligent Transport Systems - Madeira, Funchal, Portugal Duration: 16 Mar 2018 → 18 Mar 2018 Conference number: 4 http://www.vehits.org/?y=2018 |
Conference
Conference | 4th International Conference on Vehicle Technology and Intelligent Transport Systems |
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Abbreviated title | VEHITS 2018 |
Country/Territory | Portugal |
City | Funchal |
Period | 16/03/18 → 18/03/18 |
Other | This conference focuses on innovative applications, tools and platforms in all technology areas such as signal processing, wireless communications, informatics and electronics, related to different kinds of vehicles, including cars, off-road vehicles, trains, ships, underwater vehicles, or flying machines, and the intelligent transportation systems that connect and manage large numbers of vehicles, not only in the context of smart cities but in many other application domains. |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Formation Flight
- Flight Routing
- Fleet Assignment
- Fuel-efficiency