Aircraft Performance : Theory and Practice

by Eshelby, Martin E.

• ISBN13: 9780340758977
• ISBN10: 034075897X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-02-01
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann

Summary

This book takes a step beyond the traditional aircraft performance textbook by including topics beyond the estimation of aircraft performance while in the design stage. It extends to include the measurement of performance needed to validate the design estimates and produce data for the certification of the aircraft, and for the construction of the aircraft performance manual. It also covers the principles of performance scheduling and the practical considerations of operational performance. Copublished with Butterworth-Heinemann. Outside the Americas, order from Butterworth-Heinemann, United Kingdom, tel [phone] or fax [phone].

Table of Contents

Foreword	vi
Preface	vii
Notation	xi
Abbreviations	xv
An introduction to the performance of fixed-wing aircraft	1	(9)
Introduction	1	(1)
The mission profile	2	(3)
Performance estimation	5	(1)
Performance measurement	6	(1)
Operational performance	7	(1)
Conclusions	8	(2)
Bibliography	9	(1)
The atmosphere and air data measurement	10	(29)
Introduction	10	(1)
The characteristics of the atmosphere	10	(2)
Vertical development of the atmosphere	12	(2)
The standard atmosphere model	14	(10)
Measurement of air data	24	(10)
Practical considerations of air data measurement	34	(1)
Air data computers	35	(1)
Conclusions	36	(3)
Bibliography	37	(2)
The force system of the aircraft and the equations of motion	39	(24)
The equations of motion for performance	39	(1)
The aircraft force system	40	(2)
The aerodynamic force characteristics	42	(11)
The propulsive forces	53	(7)
Aerodynamic relationships	60	(1)
Conclusions	61	(2)
Bibliography	62	(1)
Cruising performance	63	(22)
Introduction	63	(1)
Specific air range and specific endurance	64	(1)
Range and endurance for aircraft with thrust-producing engines	65	(14)
Range and endurance for aircraft with power-producing engines	79	(2)
Aircraft with mixed powerplants	81	(1)
Conclusions	82	(3)
Bibliography	83	(2)
Climb and descent performance	85	(22)
Introduction	85	(3)
Climb and descent performance analysis	88	(7)
Measurement of best climb performance	95	(1)
Climb performance in aircraft operations	96	(2)
Descent performance in aircraft operations	98	(4)
The effect of wind on climb and descent performance	102	(2)
High-performance climb	104	(1)
Conclusions	105	(2)
Bibliography	106	(1)
Take-off and landing performance	107	(18)
Introduction	107	(3)
Take-off performance	110	(6)
Landing performance	116	(6)
STOL and VTOL considerations	122	(2)
Conclusions	124	(1)
Bibliography	124	(1)
Aircraft manoeuvre performance	125	(15)
Introduction	125	(2)
The manoeuvre envelope	127	(3)
Aircraft manoeuvres	130	(7)
Transport aircraft manoeuvre performance	137	(1)
Military aircraft manoeuvre performance	137	(1)
Conclusions	138	(2)
Bibliography	139	(1)
Aircraft performance measurement and data handling	140	(27)
Introduction	140	(3)
Parametric performance data analysis	143	(12)
The equivalent-weight method	155	(4)
Performance data reduction	159	(6)
Conclusions	165	(2)
Bibliography	166	(1)
Scheduled performance	167	(31)
Introduction	167	(2)
Flight planning	169	(2)
Take-off performance	171	(10)
Take-off net flight path	181	(6)
En-route performance	187	(2)
Landing performance	189	(3)
Summary of performance planning	192	(1)
Fuel planning	192	(4)
Conclusions	196	(2)
Bibliography	197	(1)
The application of performance	198	(30)
Introduction	198	(3)
The performance summary	201	(6)
Operational analysis	207	(6)
Flight planning	213	(14)
Conclusions	227	(1)
Bibliography	227	(1)
Performance examples	228	(33)
Introduction	228	(1)
Aircraft characteristics	228	(3)
Basic operating points determined by aerodynamic characteristics	231	(3)
Estimation of flight path performance	234	(20)
Payload-range diagram	254	(4)
Fuel required for a specified mission	258	(2)
Extension of the performance analysis	260	(1)
Appendix A: Reference axis systems	261	(7)
Appendix B: The performance equations of motion	268	(6)
Appendix C: The International Standard Atmosphere model	274	(8)
Index	282