Modeling and simulation of function allocation concepts for separation assurance

Abstract

This paper introduces a fast-time simulation testbed for conducting parametric studies to support the study of function allocation for separation assurance in the National Airspace System. The allocation of separation assurance functions between ground-based and airborne systems remains a topic of considerable interest in the air traffic management research community. The testbed, built on NASA's Airspace Concepts Evaluation System, provides a robust, fast-time simulation platform with the flexibility and modularity to represent a wide range of function allocation concepts and architectures. Candidate concepts, algorithms and other models (e.g., aircraft performance, weather, communications, surveillance, sources of uncertainty, etc.) can be rapidly prototyped and studied in the testbed. Accordingly, the testbed is uniquely equipped to address specific foundational research questions that may inform the continued exploration of air/ground function allocation for separation assurance. This paper introduces the design and architecture of the testbed, and presents an example case to demonstrate the application of the simulation platform to a function allocation research question.