Flight profile optimization of a regional jet fleet
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School of Engineering |
Master's thesis
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Date
2010
Department
Sovelletun mekaniikan laitos
Major/Subject
Lentotekniikka
Mcode
Kul-34
Degree programme
Language
en
Pages
83 s. + liitt. 22
Series
Abstract
The speeds and flight levels used have a significant effect on fuel burn of a regional aircraft, but it is not economical just to save fuel if time-related costs are not in balance with fuel costs. Thus the selection of a correct flight profile in function of time-related costs is of great interest in profitability calculations. In this thesis a limited cost structure investigation and time-related cost calculation was performed. Based on the results and current fuel price, the cost index for Blue1 operations was determined. Using performance data provided by the aircraft manufacturer, the aircraft drag polar was defined and corrected according to manufacturer's test-flight-corrected sector fuel and fuel flow charts. Cruise parameters were calculated based on drag polar; climb and descent values were selected from manufacturer's performance data. Fuel bum for a wide range of speeds and flight levels was calculated in selected atmospheric conditions and the most cost-effective alternatives were presented as tables for various cost index values. The calculation model was validated with manufacturers operating manual and a short test flight program with long, medium and short routes. The main goal was to indicate the difference of costs in different flight profiles and thereby improve cost-effectiveness. The resulting calculation model could be used in active flight planning to find optimum flight profile for every flight, but is to be tested more if operational use is considered.Description
Supervisor
Soinne, ErkkiThesis advisor
Hämäläinen, VillePatosalmi, Juha
Keywords
aircraft, performance, flight profile, cost index, fuel burn, optimization, drag polar