Cost Sensitive Trajectory Generation for Time Constrained Aircraft Route Planning
Sebastian M. Sprengart, Jonas Schulze, Jendrick Westphal · 17th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference · 2017
In this paper a novel approach for aircraft trajectory generation is presented. Based on a pathfinding algorithm in conjunction with a cost function, a concept for a cost-optimized trajectory generator is introduced. The trajectory generator is able to incorporate time constraints along the aircraft’s route, as they will be an integral part of future airspace concepts to overcome the challenges of growing air-traffic. The target value, which is sought to be inimized by the pathfinding algorithm, is the result of the herein described cost function. Contrary to already existing approaches on aircraft trajectory optimization in this conceptual cost function an airline-wide, network centric, cost optimization can be performed, rather than focusing solely on a single aircraft. Evaluation of the cost-sensitive trajectory generator is performed in a fast-time simulation, results are compared to a non-optimizing trajectory generation. Results indicate average cost savings of 0.12% for arrival time variations of �30s at time constrained waypoints and proof general viability of the proposed concept. Further development of the herein presented method is recommended, especially in respect to Overall airline network optimization and disruption management use cases across the various entities of an airline.