Flight with lift modulation inside a planetary atmosphere

Abstract

A set of dimensionless variables (modified Chapman's variables) is introduced in a derivation of general equations for lifting flight and bank modulation within a planetary atmosphere. The atmosphere is assumed spherical and at rest, and a generalized lift-drag polar is also introduced. Corresponding equations for flight over a flat planet model are attained via a straightforward transformation. Two planar flight cases: flight at constant absolute speed over a spherical planet, and flight at constant descent rate over a flat planet, are analyzed, and the required lift control law (with negative or positive lift) is exhibited in each case. Glide at very high descent rate and plane flows of trajectories are analyzed.