Importance

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Abstract

A required time of arrival (RTA) control system (200, 220, 240) is disclosed for use with an aircraft on-board computer system (100). The control system (200, 220, 240) is adapted to provide data for controlling aircraft flight in a manner so as to meet time of arrival constraints at selected waypoints. The control system (200, 220, 240) includes means (212) for determining a time error between an estimated time of arrival and a designated RTA. A cost index predictor (216) is utilized to determine an estimated cost index parameter for meeting time of arrival constraints, while maintaining relative minimum fuel consumption. A flight profile predictor (202) is adapted to generate requisite target air speed data based on the estimated cost index parameter. In one embodiment, the system (240) includes determination of a time window based on maximum and minimum permissible cost index and speed limiting parameters. Dead-band control of the time error is also provided for maintaining stability and reducing throttle activity.

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First Claim