Application of GNSS/INS and an Optical Sensor for Determining Airplane Takeoff and Landing Performance on a Grassy Airfield

The performance of a PZL 104 Wilga 35A airplane was determined and analyzed in this work. Takeoff and landing distances were determined by means of two different methods: one which utilized a Global Navigation Satellite System/Inertial Navigation System (GNSS/INS) sensor and another in which airplane ground speed was measured with the use of an optical non-contact sensor. Based on the airfield measurements, takeoff and landing distances as well as rolling resistance coefficients were determined for the used airplane on a grassy runway at the Radawiec airfield, located near Lublin, southeast Poland. The study was part of the GARFIELD project that is expected to deliver an online information system on grassy airfield conditions. It was concluded that both sensors were suitable for the aimed research. The results obtained in this study showed the effects of high grass upon the takeoff and landing performances of the test airplane. Also, the two methods were compared against each other, and the final results were compared to calculations of ground distances by means of the chosen analytical models.