Global Solution of Optimization Problems in Rotorcraft Flight Mechanics

In this paper, the authors present a procedure for the global solution by the use of evolutionary algorithms of trajectory optimization and parameter estimation problems for rotorcraft vehicles. The proposed approach makes use of a novel repair heuristic based on a sequential quadratic programming method to handle problem constraints. The resulting formulation effectively deals with the complex, highly constrained, optimization and optimal control problems plagued by multiple local minima or maxima that are often encountered in practical rotorcraft flight mechanics applications. The performance of the proposed procedures is assessed with applications dealing with the design of optimal inputs for the estimation of model parameters, with the determination of the optimal way of flying continued take-offs under category A requirements, and with the determination of the most dangerous areas of the height-velocity (H-V) plane in terms of impact velocity with the ground.