A Cosimulation Framework for Carrier-Based Aircraft Arrested Landing Process
This article is part of Special Issue:
Shao Haoyuan,
Li Daochun,
Kan Zi,
Ding Menglong, Xiang Jinwu,
Shao Haoyuan
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorLi Daochun
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Kan Zi
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorXiang Jinwu
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorShao Haoyuan,
Li Daochun,
Kan Zi,
Ding Menglong, Xiang Jinwu,
Shao Haoyuan
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorLi Daochun
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Kan Zi
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorXiang Jinwu
School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering , Beihang University , Beijing , China , buaa.edu.cn
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 30 May 2025
Academic Editor: Mohammad Rezwan Habib
Abstract
A multiphysics cosimulation methodology for time-domain load analysis of carrier-based aircraft arrested landing is proposed in this paper. The framework integrates six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) flight dynamics with nonlinear rigid–flexible coupling mechanisms, incorporating factors including aerodynamic load, arresting cable dynamics, nonlinear landing gear damping characteristics, and airflow interference. A direct lift control strategy is employed to enhance trajectory stability. The computational process employs fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration for the descent phase and transitions to the Newmark method when the hook-to-ramp distance reaches the engagement threshold. The framework is validated through flight dynamics trim analysis, static load benchmarking against the LS-DYNA model, and arresting load compliance with MIL-STD-2066. Simulation results provide insights into glide path, aircraft attitude variations, and transient loads on the landing gear and arresting hook. The analysis quantifies multidisciplinary load interactions, revealing key dynamic characteristics of the arrested landing maneuver. The proposed framework provides a computationally efficient and high-fidelity methodology for evaluating the landing performance of carrier-based aircraft, serving as a valuable reference for system optimization.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open Research
Data Availability Statement
Data is available on request from the authors.
References
- 1 Guan Z., Ma Y., Zheng Z., and Guo N., Prescribed Performance Control for Automatic Carrier Landing With Disturbance, Nonlinear Dynamics. (2018) 94, no. 2, 1335–1349, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-018-4427-3, 2-s2.0-85049063656.
- 2 Zhen Z., Jiang S., and Jiang J., Preview Control and Particle Filtering for Automatic Carrier Landing, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems. (2018) 54, no. 6, 2662–2674, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2018.2826398, 2-s2.0-85045732931.
- 3
Peng Y.,
Yin Y.,
Xie P.,
Wei X., and
Nie H., Reliability Analysis of Arresting Hook Engaging Arresting Cable for Carrier-Based Aircraft Influenced by Multifactors, Chinese Journal of Aeronautics. (2023) 36, no. 1, 311–323, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2022.01.001.
10.1016/j.cja.2022.01.001 Google Scholar
- 4 Naval Air Engineering Center, MIL-STD-2066 Military Standard: Catapulting and Arresting Gear Forcing Functions for Aircraft Structural Design, 1981, Department of the Navy Air Systems Command, https://standards.globalspec.com/std/493229/mil-std-2066.
- 5
Shafer D. M.,
Paul R. C.,
King M. J., and
Denham J. W., Aircraft Carrier Landing Demonstration Using Manual Control by a Ship-Based Observer, Proceedings of the AIAA SciTech 2019 Forum, 2019, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
10.2514/6.2019-0010 Google Scholar
- 6
Wang L.,
Zhu Q.,
Zhang Z., and
Dong R., Modeling Pilot Behaviors Based on Discrete-Time Series During Carrier-Based Aircraft Landing, Journal of Aircraft. (2016) 53, no. 6, 1922–1931, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C033721, 2-s2.0-85012233079.
10.2514/1.C033721 Google Scholar
- 7
Denham J. W., Project Magic Carpet: “Advanced Controls and Displays for Precision Carrier Landings”, Proceedings of the 54th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2016, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
10.2514/6.2016-1770 Google Scholar
- 8 Guan Z., Ma Y., and Zheng Z., Moving Path Following With Prescribed Performance and Its Application on Automatic Carrier Landing, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems. (2020) 56, no. 4, 2576–2590, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2019.2948722.
- 9
Yao Z.,
Kan Z.,
Li D.,
Shao H.,
Jiang Y., and
Xiang J., Active Anti-Disturbance Carrier Landing Control With Integrated Direct Lift, Computers and Electrical Engineering. (2024) 120, 109699, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compeleceng.2024.109699.
10.1016/j.compeleceng.2024.109699 Google Scholar
- 10
Xia G.,
Dong R.,
Xu J., and
Zhu Q., Linearized Model of Carrier-Based Aircraft Dynamics in Final-Approach Air Condition, Journal of Aircraft. (2016) 53, no. 1, 33–47, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C033175, 2-s2.0-84960499122.
10.2514/1.C033175 Google Scholar
- 11
Zhu Q.,
Meng X., and
Zhang Z., Simulation Research on Motion Law of Arresting Hook During Landing, Applied Mechanics and Materials. (2013) 300-301, 997–1002, https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.300-301.997, 2-s2.0-84874703041.
10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.300-301.997 Google Scholar
- 12
Shao H.,
Kan Z.,
Wang Y.,
Li D.,
Yao Z., and
Xiang J., Dynamic Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Arresting Hook Engaging Cable in Carried-Based UAV Landing Process, Drones. (2023) 7, no. 8, https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7080530.
10.3390/drones7080530 Google Scholar
- 13 Jones L. W., Development of Curves for Estimating Aircraft Arresting Hook Loads, 1981, ADA119551, https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA119551.pdf.
- 14 Mikhaluk D., Voinov I., and Borovkov A., Finite Element Modeling of the Arresting Gear and Simulation of the Aircraft Deck Landing Dynamics, Proceedings of the European LS-DYNA Conference, 2008, Dynalook, 31–35.
- 15
Shen W.,
Zhao Z.,
Ren G., and
Liu J., Modeling and Simulation of Arresting Gear System With Multibody Dynamic Approach, Mathematical Problems in Engineering. (2013) 2013, 12, 867012, https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/867012, 2-s2.0-84890032095.
10.1155/2013/867012 Google Scholar
- 16
Zhang H.,
Guo J.,
Liu J. P., and
Ren G. X., An Efficient Multibody Dynamic Model of Arresting Cable Systems Based on ALE Formulation, Mechanism and Machine Theory. (2020) 151, 103892, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2020.103892.
10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2020.103892 Google Scholar
- 17
Pritchard J., Overview of Landing Gear Dynamics, Journal of Aircraft. (2001) 38, no. 1, 130–137, https://doi.org/10.2514/2.2744, 2-s2.0-0035087862.
10.2514/2.2744 Google Scholar
- 18 Daniels J. N., A Method for Landing Gear Modeling and Simulation With Experimental Validation, 1996, NASA Langley Research Center.
- 19 Sivakumar S. and Haran A. P., Mathematical Model and Vibration Analysis of Aircraft With Active Landing Gears, Journal of Vibration and Control. (2015) 21, no. 2, 229–245, https://doi.org/10.1177/1077546313486908, 2-s2.0-84920935665.
- 20
Yin Q.,
Jiang J. Z.,
Neild S. A., and
Nie H., Investigation of Gear Walk Suppression While Maintaining Braking Performance in a Main Landing Gear, Aerospace Science and Technology. (2019) 91, 122–135, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2019.05.026, 2-s2.0-85065802890.
10.1016/j.ast.2019.05.026 Google Scholar
- 21
Du X.,
Xu Y.,
Liu Q.,
Liu C.,
Yue X.,
Liu X., and
Kurths J., Shimmy Dynamics in a Dual-Wheel Nose Landing Gear With Freeplay Under Stochastic Wind Disturbances, Nonlinear Dynamics. (2024) 112, no. 4, 2477–2499, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-023-09182-3.
10.1007/s11071-023-09182-3 Google Scholar
- 22
Suresh P. S.,
Sura N. K., and
Shankar K., Investigation of Nonlinear Landing Gear Behavior and Dynamic Responses on High Performance Aircraft, Journal of Aerospace Engineering. (2019) 233, no. 15, 5674–5688, https://doi.org/10.1177/0954410019854628, 2-s2.0-85068858926.
10.1177/0954410019854628 Google Scholar
- 23 Currey N. S., Aircraft Landing Gear Design: Principles and Practices, 1998, AIAA Education Series, Washington, DC.
- 24
Nguyen T.,
Schonning A.,
Eason P., and
Nicholson D., Methods for Analyzing Nose Gear During Landing Using Structural Finite Element Analysis, Journal of Aircraft. (2012) 49, no. 1, 275–280, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C031519, 2-s2.0-84857540641.
10.2514/1.C031519 Google Scholar
- 25
Nándor T.,
Neild S.,
Lowenberg M., and
Krauskopf B., Bifurcation Analysis of a Coupled Nose-Landing-Gear–Fuselage System, Journal of Aircraft. (2014) 51, no. 1, 259–272.
10.2514/1.C032324 Google Scholar
- 26
McDonald M.,
Richards P. W.,
Walker M., and
Erickson A. J., Carrier Landing Simulation Using Detailed Aircraft and Landing, Proceedings of the AIAA SciTech Forum, 2020, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
10.2514/6.2020-1138 Google Scholar
- 27
Zhang Z.,
Peng Y.,
Wei X.,
Li L.,
Wang Y., and
Liu X., Research on Longitudinal Dynamics Safety Boundary of Carrier-Based Aircraft Arresting, Aerospace Science and Technology. (2022) 130, 107864, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2022.107864.
10.1016/j.ast.2022.107864 Google Scholar
- 28
Shao H.,
Li D.,
Kan Z.,
Bi L.,
Yao Z., and
Xiang J., Numerical Simulation of Aircraft Arresting Process With an Efficient Full-Scale Rigid-Flexible Coupling Dynamic Model, Chinese Journal of Aeronautics. (2024) 37, no. 5, 586–602, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2024.03.002.
10.1016/j.cja.2024.03.002 Google Scholar
- 29 Lee S., Lee J., Lee S., Choi H., Kim Y., Kim S., and Suk J., Sliding Mode Guidance and Control for UAV Carrier Landing, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems. (2019) 55, no. 2, 951–966, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2018.2867259, 2-s2.0-85052705777.
- 30 Liu C., Yue X., Zhang J., and Shi K., Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Delayed Electromagnetic Docking of Spacecraft in Elliptical Orbits, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems. (2022) 58, no. 3, 2257–2268, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2021.3130830.
- 31 Duan H., Yuan Y., and Zeng Z., Automatic Carrier Landing System With Fixed Time Control, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems. (2022) 58, no. 4, 3586–3600, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2022.3156070.
- 32 Lyu B., Yue X., and Liu C., Parallel Layered Scheme-Based Integrated Orbit-Attitude-Vibration Coupled Dynamics and Control for Large-Scale Spacecraft, ISA Transactions. (2025) 158, 415–426, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isatra.2024.12.033, 39779396.
- 33 Lyu B., Liu C., and Yue X., Integrated Predictor-Observer Feedback Control for Vibration Mitigation of Large-Scale Spacecraft With Unbounded Input Time Delay, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems. (2025) 61, no. 2, 4561–4572, https://doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2024.3505851.
- 34
Jiang Y.,
Li D.,
Kan Z.,
Dong B.,
Zhen C., and
Xiang J., Bifurcation Analysis of Wing Rock and Routes to Chaos of a Low Aspect Ratio Flying Wing, Nonlinear Dynamics. (2024) 112, no. 23, 21491–21508, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-024-10134-8.
10.1007/s11071-024-10134-8 Google Scholar
- 35 Luo F., Zhang J. H., Wang B., Tang R. L., and Tang W., Air Wake Suppression Method Based on Direct Lift and Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion Control, Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica. (2021) 42, no. 12, 193–208.
