Model-Based Air Traffic Flow Management

摘要

Closed-loop air traffic flow management algorithms based on the predictive modeling and strategic planning capabilities of a medium-fidelity air traffic simulation software are described. The methodology extracts the state and intent of every the aircraft in the airspace, propagates the trajectories in the air traffic simulation over a specified time-horizon according to one or more traffic flow management modes, and returns the performance metrics to be used in decision making. The approach has a human-in-the-loop mode and a fully automatic flow control mode of operation. In the human-in-the-loop mode, the air traffic simulation software is used to create traffic flow control options for the user who then selects the control actions to be implemented. In the automatic flow control mode, the user chooses the flow control objectives, and an iterative optimization scheme performs the decision making process. Selected flow control decisions are then used to modify the aircraft flight plans. Traffic flow modes currently implemented include Ground Stop and Ground Delay Programs, Miles-in-Trail Restrictions, Playbook Routing, Coded Departure Routes and Re-routing around Flow Constrained Areas. Performance of the model-based traffic flow management algorithms are demonstrated in a high fidelity air traffic simulation for several flow control scenarios.