Better on-board data to make aircraft greener
Aircraft efficiency has improved dramatically in recent decades, and the quest continues to make flight a safer and more sustainable mode of travel. The EU-funded project WINFC(opens in new window) (Weather information fusion and correlation for weather and traffic situational awareness) designed a tool to select the most optimal trajectory with the aim of reducing pilot workload, emissions and noise. In order to plan a more optimal trajectory, the tool acquires data from weather radar and forecasts, along with official notices to airmen. It then fuses the data together using a quasi-artificial intelligence on-board trajectory optimisation algorithm to achieve its aims. More specifically, the project team devised an adaptive data processing module that produces an awareness map or risk map to alert pilots on compromising weather conditions. The software considers meteorological information to evaluate aircraft performance and emissions, combining it with the risk map which integrates climatic hazards and traffic constraints. Data streams include wind field (direction and intensity of wind) along with air density, temperature, pressure and relative humidity, which all affect thrust, fuel flow and emissions. After testing and validating the software, the project team developed an exploitation plan and disseminated the results to stakeholders. This was achieved through the project website, but also through participation in global conferences and events. The new module, an excellent example of European aviation technology, could stand to make aircraft more fuel efficient and enhance safety at the same time. Reduced CO2 and NOx emissions are expected to emerge from the technology once it is exploited, along with a reduction in noise pollution caused by aircraft.
