Optimum trajectory control for loiter time increase using jet stream shear wind

A new method for endurance maximization of aircraft is presented which makes use of the shear wind associated with jet streams. With this method, it is possible to extract energy from the moving air in the shear wind region and transfer it to the airplane. Consequently, the engine is relieved as an energy supplier so that the fuel consumption can be reduced. The energy gain from the moving air can be continually achieved with an appropriate flight maneuver which is periodically repeated. Use is made of optimization techniques to determine the optimal endurance flight maneuver which yields the maximum energy gain. It is shown that the endurance can be significantly increased with the method presented in this paper when compared with the best steady-state endurance cruise.