Virtual simulation-based evaluation of ground handling for future aircraft concepts

To evaluate the ground handling of future aircraft concepts with unconventional configurations such as blendedwing body and joined wing, a virtual simulation-based approach is proposed, and a corresponding prototype system has been developed. Key factors and the process of the ground-handling simulation as well as the architecture of the prototype are depicted. After validation with a conventional aircraft, two unconventional concepts are studied in the prototype. Results show that this visualized tool could serve as a joint platform for aircraft designers as well as airport and airline operators to investigate the ground handling of future aircraft, so that not only the design concepts can be improved but also the ground-handling planning can be optimized.