Optimal paths through downbursts

Abstract

The control of an aircraft's takeoff path through a downburst is presently formulated as a dynamic optimization problem with minimum-altitude constraint and two different performance measures; a landing path through a downburst is also discussed. Paths are determined which, in addition to maximizing an airspeed/altitude combination immediately after downburst penetration, minimize deviation from the intended flight path. For mild-to-moderate downbursts, the performance strategy maintains altitude at the expense of airspeed loss, while the survival strategy involves a descent of the aircraft to the minimum altitude in order to obtain greater airspeed. For a severe downburst, both optimal paths maintain minimum altitude.