Trajectory optimization-based maneuverability assessment of eVTOL aircraft

Wang, Mingkai; Diepolder, Johannes; Zhang, Shuguang; Söpper, Maximilian; Holzapfel, Florian

doi:10.1016/j.ast.2021.106903

Cited by 21 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Particular focus will be on the extension of the model to capture the notable differences in manoeuvrability, guidance, path-planning and wake turbulence characteristics of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and various other emerging rotary-wing platforms compared to fixed-wing aircraft. This development will necessarily occur after the conclusion of various ongoing studies in the dynamics modelling and handling qualities of these new aircraft [52][53][54][55]. Future work will also address the application of the proposed collision risk model to tactical online ATM operations and online risk estimation performed onboard UAS platforms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Unified Airspace Risk Management Framework for UAS Operations

Bijjahalli

Gardi

Pongsakornsathien

et al. 2022

Drones

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Collision risk modelling has a long history in the aviation industry, with mature models currently utilised in the strategic planning of airspace sectors and air routes. However, the progressive introduction of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and other forms of air mobility poses new challenges, compounded by a growing need to address both offline and online operational requirements. To address the existing gaps in the current airspace risk assessment models, this article proposes a comprehensive risk management framework, which relies on a novel methodology to model UAS collision risk in all classes of airspace. This methodology inherently accounts for the performance of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems, and, as such, it can be applied to both strategic and tactical operational timeframes. Additionally, the proposed approach can be applied inversely to determine CNS performance requirements given a target value of collision probability. This new risk assessment methodology is based on rigorous analysis of the CNS error characteristics and the transformation of the associated models into the spatial domain to generate a protection volume around each predicted collision. Additionally, a methodology to quickly and conservatively evaluate the multi-integral formulation of collision probability is introduced. The validity of the proposed framework is tested using representative CNS performance parameters in two simulation case studies targeting a terminal manoeuvring area and an enroute scenario, respectively.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Unified Airspace Risk Management Framework for UAS Operations

Bijjahalli

Gardi

Pongsakornsathien

et al. 2022

Drones

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“…Most of the literature analyzes eVTOL feasibility from an engineering perspective, proving that eVTOL aircraft can operate under certain technical conditions [25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. However, economic feasibility relies on mathematical modeling [32][33][34][35][36][37][38].…”

Section: Engineering Application and Economic Feasibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing for Urban Air Taxi Services: Key Parameters and Future Transportation Impact

Liu,

Gao

2024

Sustainability

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Urban air mobility (UAM) enabled by electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft presents an innovative transportation system for mega-cities. An analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of eVTOL air taxis can provide insights into the development and potential impacts of this emerging mobility solution. This study examines eVTOL configurations and proposes a conceptual model for eVTOL air taxi services. A generic cost–revenue model is developed to evaluate the economic feasibility using the rate of return-on-investment approach. Two critical parameters are identified—maximum voyage and price per kilometer. The modeling analysis shows that eVTOL air taxis can achieve a positive rate of return given realistic assumptions on the critical parameters. Reductions in operating costs and increases in maximum voyage range improve financial viability. With technological advancement, eVTOL air taxis are expected to transform urban transportation by increasing capacity and flexibility. The techno-economic analysis provides useful implications for urban planning and policy regarding this innovative mobility mode.

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“…Other similar studies also utilized simplified dynamic models [11,12]. Yet, only a handful of studies have undertaken trajectory optimization for VTOL aircraft based on 6DOF models [13][14][15]. Furthermore, only a few studies have considered airworthiness requirements for VTOL operations [15,16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-Phase Vertical Take-Off and Landing Trajectory Optimization with Feasible Initial Guesses

Lu,

Hong,

Holzapfel

2023

Aerospace

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The advancement of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has expanded the horizon of urban air mobility. However, the challenge of generating precise vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) trajectories that comply with airworthiness requirements remains. This paper presents an approach for optimizing VTOL trajectories considering six degrees of freedom (6DOF) dynamics and operational constraints. Multi-phase optimal control problems are formulated to address specific constraints in various flight stages. The incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI) controller is employed to execute the flight mission in each phase. Controlled flight simulations yield dynamically feasible trajectories that serve as initial guesses for generating sub-optimal trajectories within individual phases. A feasible and sub-optimal initial guess for the holistic multi-phase problem is established by concatenating these single-phase trajectories. Focusing on a tilt-wing eVTOL aircraft, this paper computes VTOL trajectories leveraging the proposed initial guess generation procedure. These trajectories account for complex flight dynamics, align with various operation constraints, and minimize electric energy consumption.

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Trajectory optimization-based maneuverability assessment of eVTOL aircraft

Cited by 21 publications

References 15 publications

A Unified Airspace Risk Management Framework for UAS Operations

A Unified Airspace Risk Management Framework for UAS Operations

Assessing Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing for Urban Air Taxi Services: Key Parameters and Future Transportation Impact

Multi-Phase Vertical Take-Off and Landing Trajectory Optimization with Feasible Initial Guesses

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