Optimal Climb Trajectories Through Explicit Simulation

摘要

This paper revisits the famous Rutowski method for shaping lifting ascent trajectories. In this new work, an aircraft-style state variable simulation files many possible ascent trajectories through an explicit series of speed and altitude based waypoints. It examines two aircraft configurations: an A320-like narrow-body airliner powered by turbofan engines and a rocket plane reminiscent of the North American X-15. These configurations highlight the weakness of the Rutowski method and the strengths of using an optimizing aircraft-style explicit state variable simulation to construct high-performance climb procedures.