Abstract:An algorithm is developed that generates statistically optimal flight trajectory to a best landing site after occurrence of an in-flight distress condition using an abort probability model. The approach developed increases overall survivability by minimizing the expected flight path distance, given the abort probability model. An airport grouping strategy that clumps the airports logically prior to path derivation is also developed. The performance of this newly developed probabilistic trajectory algorithm is evaluated using numerical simulations that include variable failure rates to simulate different in-flight distress conditions, and multiple turns to accommodate realistic trajectories. The results show that it is possible by using this algorithm to increase aircraft survivability.