Research on Optimization Model of Flight Test Mission Schedule Management for Civil Aircraft

The certification of commercial aircraft necessitates rigorous flight test campaigns that constitute complex systems engineering endeavors characterized by prolonged cycles, high technological risks, and extensive cross-disciplinary coordination. These campaigns face numerous stochastic variables including broad flight envelopes and recurrent operational risks that can significantly disrupt schedules, jeopardizing mission success. Effective schedule management is therefore pivotal to the overall development program. To address inherent uncertainties in test scheduling, this paper investigates the application of the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) with three-point time estimates. A novel duration-cost optimization linear programming model is developed, integrating resource allocation constraints and compression level considerations. The model systematically decomposes flight test missions using Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to minimize comprehensive resource costs while satisfying project timeline requirements. This quantitative analytical framework provides evidence-based decision support for optimizing flight test schedules and mitigating completion risks in civil aircraft certification programs.