Scale speed calculator

Said altitude scales being proportioned in terms of indicated air speed below respective predetermined altitudes to correspond to respective predetermined aircraft speeds, said distance and each of said altitude scales being respectively proportioned so that, when a target distance on the distance scale is aligned with a target altitude on a respective altitude scale, the actual altitude on said respective altitude scale is aligned with a desired fuel efficient distance on the distance scale for commencing the descent, and means mutually securing said first and additional members for relative aligned movement. 8. The calculator of claim 7, wherein each of said altitude scales are proportioned to correspond to mach speed above respective predetermined transition altitudes, and to indicated air speed below said transition altitudes. 9. The calculator of claim 8, wherein said transition altitudes correspond substantially to the altitudes above which mach speed exceeds indicated air speed, and below which indicated air speed exceeds mach speed, for each respective altitude scale. 10. The calculator of claims 7, 8, or 9, wherein said distance scale is substantially linear. 11. The calculator of claim 7, wherein each of said altitude scales extend over approximately equal altitude ranges. 12. A manually operable calculator for calculating a beginning of descent position to optimize aircraft fuel consumption during descent from an actual altitude and distance to a target altitude and distance, comprising:a first member having a distance scale displayed thereon, display means having a plurality of altitude scales displayed thereon extending over substantially equal altitude ranges, each of said altitude scales being proportioned in terms of indicated air speed below respective predetermined altitudes to correspond to respective predetermined aircraft speeds and respectively alignable with said distance scale, each of said altitude scales extending over approximately equal altitude ranges, said distance scale and each of said

To provide a descent rate, which is a more difficult procedure than an idle descent. an aircraft descent calculator which is capable of taking into account and adjusting to different conditions or aircraft weight, wind, aircraft speed and altitude, and without unduly complicating the device. Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved aircraft descent calculator which provides a fuel effecient descent profile including changes in aircraft speed during the descent. a manually operable calculator for optimizing aircraft fuel consumption during descent from an actual altitude and distance to a target altitude and distance is provided with a first member having a distance scale displayed thereon, and at least one additional member having an altitude scale displayed thereon. the first and additional members are mutually secured and alignable, and their respective distance and altitude scales are proportioned such that, when a target distance on the distance scale is aligned with a target altitude on the altitude scale, the actual altitude on the altitude scale is aligned with a desired fuel efficient distance for commencing the descent, for a given aircraft weight and speed and a given wind condition. an aircraft weight and wind correction scale is provided, by which a correction factor can be obtained to correct the indicated distance for commencing the descent. the correction scale preferrably comprises a first portion for determining a gross correction factor corresponding to a maximum altitude, and a second scale portion which proportions the gross correction factor in accordance with the actual aircraft altitude. a plurality of altitude scales are provided on a corresponding plurality of members which are secured for relative aligned movement with the distance scale member. Each altitude scale is proportioned to correspond with a respective aircraft speed, thereby enabling the calculator to give accurate

Profile to maximize fuel savings. Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved aircraft descent calculator which provides a fuel effecient descent profile including changes in aircraft speed during the descent. In the accomplishment of these and other objects of the invention, a manually operable calculator for optimizing aircraft fuel consumption during descent from an actual altitude and distance to a target altitude and distance is provided with a first member having a distance scale displayed thereon, and at least one additional member having an altitude scale displayed thereon. The first and additional members are mutually secured and alignable, and their respective distance and altitude scales are proportioned such that, when a target distance on the distance scale is aligned with a target altitude on the altitude scale, the actual altitude on the altitude scale is aligned with a desired fuel efficient distance for commencing the descent, for a given aircraft weight and speed and a given wind condition. In addition, an aircraft weight and wind correction scale is provided, by which a correction factor can be obtained to correct the indicated distance for commencing the descent. The correction scale preferrably comprises a first portion for determining a gross correction factor corresponding to a maximum altitude, and a second scale portion which proportions the gross correction factor in accordance with the actual aircraft altitude. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of altitude scales are provided on a corresponding plurality of members which are secured for relative aligned movement with the distance scale member. Each altitude scale is proportioned to correspond with a respective aircraft speed, thereby enabling the calculator to give accurate results for different descent speeds, and for descents involving decelerations or accelerations in speed. Additional calculator accuracy is achieved by proportioning the altitude