Automatic Continuous Thrust Control for Supersonic Transport Takeoff Noise Reduction

Advanced takeoff trajectories are proposed for supersonic transport noise reduction by capitalizing on excess engine thrust and improved aerodynamic efficiency at higher takeoff speeds. These novel trajectories use i) automatic continuous control of thrust, ii) increased takeoff speed, and iii) reduced cut-back altitude, compared to conventional pilot-initiated discrete thrust cut-back procedures currently used for subsonic transport. In this paper, we develop an optimal control framework to assess the attributes of effective takeoff trajectories for supersonic transport that yield minimum noise levels. We quantify the noise reduction potential of advanced takeoff trajectories for the eight-passenger, 55-metric-ton, Mach-1.4 NASA Supersonic Technology Concept Airplane. For the aircraft examined, these advanced takeoff trajectories enable a cumulative certification noise reduction of 10.6 EPNdB, which is insufficient to meet current subsonic transport noise limits.