OPTIMIZATION OF OPERATION MODES OF AN-26B AND AN-26B-100 AIRCRAFTS WITH THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF FLIGHTS

The article proposes an operationally-oriented approach to improving the environmental safety of aircraft of previous generations using the example of the An-26B and An-26B-100. The methodology is based on optimizing operating modes without structural changes using ICAO and EASA recommendations. The results of a comparative analysis of ICAO and EU requirements with the actual environmental performance of the An-26B and An-26B-100 aircraft are presented. ICAO and EASA environmental procedures are proposed, which can actually be applied to the An-26B and An-26B-100 in practical operation through operational modes, flight procedures and technical operation. The proposed operating modes allow reducing fuel consumption; reducing greenhouse and toxic gas emissions; reducing noise pollution; increasing the environmental sustainability of air transportation without structural modernization of the aircraft. To optimize the acoustic impact of the Kirovograd aerodrome during the operation of the An-26B and An-26B-100 aircraft, a type-oriented optimization was proposed, where decisions were made separately for: An-26B takeoff; An-26B-100 takeoff; An-26B landing; An-26B landing. To support decision-making on optimizing the acoustic impact of the Kirovograd aerodrome during the operation of the An-26B and An-26B-100 aircraft, a hierarchical management model was proposed, combining: strategic level (environmental policy); tactical level (Noise Action Plans); operational level (SID/STAR profiles). Procedures for optimizing the operating modes of the An-26B and An-26B-100 aircraft by flight phases are presented, which are based on ICAO and EU regulations and are applicable to these types of aircraft. The results obtained indicate the possibility of optimising the operating modes of the An-26B and An-26B-100, as recommended by ICAO and EASA and applicable to these types of aircraft, confirming the feasibility of applying the proposed approach in practical operation. At the same time, the actual basic operating modes confirm that the An-26B aircraft is environmentally limitedly suitable for operation without additional measures; the An-26B aircraft, under optimized operation conditions, allows achieving or approaching the regulatory noise levels within residential areas adjacent to the Kirovograd airfield in accordance with Ukrainian legislation and ensuring compliance with the key indicators of the EU Environmental Noise Directive.