A Modeling Architecture for Capturing CNS Uncertainty and Prediction Errors in the NAS

Abstract

The Airspace Concepts Evaluation System (ACES) is a distributed fast-time computer simulation of gate-to-gate flight operations throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). ACES is being developed by the NASA Virtual Airspace Modeling and Simulation project to assess future Air Traffic Management concepts of operation. ACES employs multitrajectory modeling in an agent-based software structure to describe the behavior and interactions of Traffic Flow Management, Air Traffic Control, Flight Deck, and Airline Operational Control entities and associated communication, navigation, surveillance and weather information technologies. This paper discusses the ACES architecture for modeling Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) uncertainties and predictions and how those uncertainties propagate and affect agent decisions, delays and capacities within the NAS.