A Realistic Flight Path Parameterization for Calculation of Noise Minimal Trajectories using Bi-level Optimal Control

In the paper at hand a realistic flight path parameterization is introduced that resembles RNAV (RNP) procedures and is suitable for aircraft trajectory optimization. The parameterization is integrated into a bi-level optimal control framework where the upper problem is concerned with optimizing the horizontal trajectory with respect to a certain cost function while the lower level problems are tasked with optimizing the vertical profile along the horizontal track with respect to the same or a different cost function. By solving the bilevel optimal control problem, a set of waypoints is obtained that can be used directly for procedure design. The proposed algorithm is used to determine the noise minimal approach to a generic airport minimizing the perceived noise on ground.