Dynamic Soaring Supported by Engine Power in Poor Wind Conditions

Dynamic soaring is a flight mode by which energy can be gained from the wind so that flying without cost is feasible. This does not hold for poor wind conditions below a certain minimum in the wind strength. It is shown that dynamic soaring can be maintained in poor wind conditions by a power support from the engine. An optimization method is used to determine the minimum engine power effort for maintaining dynamic soaring. Results on the minimum engine power effort are presented for the entire poor wind region down to zero wind. Two dynamic soaring modes are dealt with of which one is a travelling/cruise mode and the other an endurance/loitering mode.