Optimisation of aircraft position in the formation flight for the drag reduction

This article presents optimisation of necessary flight thrust in a V-shaped flight formation of small-unmanned plane “Sikorka”. At the beginning is showed analyse of birds behaviour. Their formation flying was the cause of attention in order to minimalize fuel consumption. Afterwards there are overlooked scientific articles about the formation flying subject contain pure physic analyses, and articles about researches which was made in order to explain economic beneficial for airlines. Thus, the article presents mathematical model, which was optimised for three different starting position of a longitudinal axis. After optimisation there are presented results of the wingman position in regard of the leader. Influence of the calculation results on the formation flying was analysed, allowing for some conclusions about the future of the UAV’s flights. The given process is aimed to achieve the best (optimal) solution from the point of view of the specific criterion. The following most important terms can be distinguished within the optimization process: decisive variables – parameters determining the basic project assumptions. The basic design variables and design constrains are described.