Improving the economic efficiency of aircraft flight by increasing the accuracy of trajectory control in the vertical plane

The accuracy of aircraft trajectory control in the vertical plane has a significant impact on the economic aspect of aircraft operation. Standard air signal systems are affected by stochastic interference of aerodynamic, vibrational, and electromagnetic nature, which leads to degradation of glide path stabilization quality and unjustified actuation of actuators. Existing filtering methods based on stationary band-pass operators are unable to adapt to non-stationary interference conditions. The purpose of the work is to provide a theoretical basis and practical implementation of a method for improving the accuracy of trajectory control by introducing adaptive digital filtering into the signal processing loop of the air signal system sensors in order to increase the economic efficiency of aircraft operation. The research is based on the theory of adaptive signal processing, particularly the algorithms of least mean square and recursive least squares with variable adaptation step. The proposed solution has been verified using semi-realistic modeling on a test bed that simulates flight in turbulent atmospheric conditions. The economic efficiency was evaluated based on the criteria of net present value and return on investment. An adaptive filtering algorithm was synthesized, which provides dynamic adjustment of the weight coefficients depending on the current spectral pattern of interference. The simulation demonstrated a reduction in the mean squared deviation from the program glide path by 35-40% and a twofold decrease in the amplitude of peak emissions. A decrease in the parasitic cyclicity of the steering servo actuators was recorded, which translates into an extension of the overhaul life of the hydraulic units. An economic analysis for a fleet of thirty aircraft showed a payback period of about nine months and a sixfold increase in total benefits over investments over a five-year horizon. The proposed method allows to transform information noise from a destabilizing factor into a source of data on the state of the atmosphere and the technical condition of the measuring path. The research results can be used in the modernization of onboard control systems of advanced and operated aircraft.