Optimization Plug Mode of External Fuel and Weapons for Less Changing Aircraft Center of Gravity

Abstract

To achieve the minimum change of aircraft center of gravity, plug mode optimization was carried out. Plug mode, including weight and position of external fuel and weapon load, was selected as design mode. Numerical model for calculating aircraft center of gravity was established and used to generate mode samples. Random search algorithm (RSA) was designed and applied for solving the optimization plug mode, and the precise solution of plug mode was determined by full array method (FAM). Compared with typical plug mode, the optimization mode can reach a minimum change in aircraft center of gravity with fewer samples than the solution by FAM. RSA coupled with FAM is an effective scheme for the optimization of aircraft plug mode.