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On an analytical model of wake vortex separation of aircraft

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 August 2016

L.M.B.C. Campos  and
J.M.G. Marques
L.M.B.C. Campos*
Affiliation:
Center for Aeronautical and Space Science and Technology (CCTAE) IDMEC/LAETA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
J.M.G. Marques*
Affiliation:
CCTAE and Universidade Atlântica, Oeiras, Portugal
*
luis.campos@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
jmgmarques@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
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Abstract

A theory is presented on the effect of wake turbulence of a leading aircraft on the roll stability of a following aircraft, leading to a simple formula for the safe separation distance between the two aircraft that provides estimates of aircraft separation distances comparable to existing empirical regulations, based on experience. The formula includes the effects of flight and atmospheric conditions, and the characteristics of the leading and following aircraft; it applies to similar or dissimilar aircraft, and it indicates the parameters and conditions leading to increasing or decreasing separation. The formula is applied not only to the three International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) categories of aircraft (light, medium and heavy, respectively, Cessna Citation, B737 and B747) but also to ‘special’ aircraft requiring larger separation distance (Boeing 757) and to the world’s largest airliner (Airbus A380).

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 120 , Issue 1232 , October 2016 , pp. 1534 - 1565
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2016 

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