Abstract: A method for managing a longitudinal position a follower aircraft following a leader aircraft by: obtaining a position and speed of the leader aircraft and a real longitudinal position and speed of the follower aircraft; determining a target longitudinal position of the follower aircraft with respect to the longitudinal position of the leader aircraft; calculating a difference between the target longitudinal position of the follower aircraft and the real longitudinal position of the follower aircraft; comparing the value of the difference with at least one predefined threshold; choosing a control law for controlling the speed of the follower aircraft, from among at least two separate control laws, on the basis of the comparison; and, applying the chosen control law so as to manage the real longitudinal position of the follower aircraft with respect to the position of the leader aircraft.

Abstract: A system for assisting formation flight, on board a follower aircraft, determines an estimated position of a wake vortex generated by a leader aircraft and inducing an upward airflow. The system determines a first trajectory, intended to be followed by the follower aircraft, as a trajectory for approaching and tracking the wake vortex, while remaining outside a potential discomfort window. The system determines a second trajectory corresponding to a phantom aircraft as if the follower aircraft is permanently in an optimal position relative to the wake vortex. The system assesses future overshoots of the phantom aircraft relative to maneuvering capabilities of the follower aircraft and to passenger comfort rules. The system possibly modifies the first trajectory as a function of the assessed overshoots.

Abstract: A system for aiding formation flying of a follower aircraft with respect to a wake vortex from a leader aircraft comprises a controller and at least one accelerometer installed on the follower aircraft. The controller receives acceleration measurements performed by the at least one accelerometer and processes the measurements to obtain a value representative of vibrations generated by the wake vortex from the leader aircraft. The controller compares the value with at least one predetermined threshold representative of excessive vibrations with regard to location of the at least one accelerometer on the follower aircraft. One or more notifications, such as alerts, are generated based on the result of the comparison. It is easier to position the follower aircraft in formation flying to benefit from a rising airflow phenomenon brought about by the wake vortex from the leader aircraft.