Abstract: An algorithm for the aircraft constant-altitude long-distance flight consider earth curvature studied. The required overload was calculated using the error between the real position and the ideal trajectory for two basic long-distance flight styles, i.e. great circle flight and circular flight, the simulation model of the two basic constant-altitude flight styles was established. On this basis, taking the modeling of constant-altitude box maneuvering and 8-shape constant-altitude flight as an example, the modeling process of constant-altitude combined model was studied. The simulation result shows the constant-altitude flight model can be widely used, easily implemented and easily expanded. Meanwhile, the model has little requirement for aircraft maneuvering capability and can achieve more precise constant-altitude controlling under different conditions.

Key words: constant altitude, great circle flight, circular flight, box maneuvering, 8-shape maneuvering