A Trajectory Optimization Model To Support Aviation Systems Analysis

A new program is introduced that provides optimization capability for airline routes flown between two cities. The Mission Generator (MG) is a multipurpose program designed to accommodate a variety of problems involving multiple aircraft flights within the US airspace system. The goal of the program is to offer a conceptual-level set of results for a simulated network of operations of air transport vehicles. This network could represent a fleet of vehicles operated by a specific air carrier, or a collection of similar vehicles flown under different dispatch and routing conditions. The optimization capability gives the analyst a means to investigate the impact of free flight operations for a certain route, or an entire set of air carrier operations. The Mission Generator includes the effects of winds in the computation of the optimal trajectories, and offers methods to address special use airspace violations.