Optimization of glider's trajectory for given thermal conditions

Abstract

The minimum-time problem for a glider flying in the vertical plane is considered. The glider is regarded as a particle moving in the atmosphere in given thermal conditions. The problem is formulated in optimal control and solved using direct pseudospectral Chebysev's method. The data are taken for the Word Class Glider PW-5 "Smyk". Computed optimum results are compared with glider's trajectories from the Second Domestic Glider Championship 2006, Suwałki, Poland.