Analysis of Selected Factors’ Influence on the Specific Range of Modern Jet Transport Aircraft as a Complex Mechatronic System

Modern jet transport aircraft shall be considered as complex mechatronic system. Looking at both mechanics and electronics it is a complicated technical device. In order to meet safety and efficiency goals jet transport aircraft are equipped with recording systems including flight data recorders such as FDR (Flight Data Recorder) and QAR/DAR (Quick/Data Access Recorder). DAR serves for purpose of operator’s customized data recording which allows detailed studies and analytics such as flight path optimization. This article describes method which utilizes DAR data to determine aircraft performance during cruise. Research was conducted based on real Airbus A320 DAR data. The main objective was to determine relations between recorded flight parameters and aircraft specific range, which is directly related to fuel consumption and key parameter for cruise efficiency. Analysis included assessment of data recording quality influence on the data source and obtained results. Method described allows also to verify manufacturer’s performance model, guarantees, monitor tail-specific aircraft cruise performance, as well as determine optimum altitudes, speeds and estimate relation of weight and aircraft fuel consumption. From mechatronics point of view it may be assumed that connection of mechanical and electronic elements together with flight path governing parameters allows control of key flight parameters, which in result allows their optimization and enhances efficiency.