A Self-separation Algorithm using Relative Speed for a High-density Air Corridor

Abstract

Self-separation algorithms in a high density air corridor are discussed. The air corridor is considered to be a tube or band shaped airspace connecting congested airports, high demand city area etc. In the corridor, only aircraft capable of self-separation are allowed to fly in the same direction. An appropriate self-separation algorithm is indispensable for the safety and high traffic throughput. In this paper, a self-separation algorithm that leads aircraft to determine its heading change direction according to the relative speed is newly introduced in addition to a basic air corridor self-separation algorithm. The basic algorithm refers to the relative lateral position of aircraft for conflict avoidance based on the assumption that all aircraft intend to fly along the corridor. The algorithm leads the aircraft to change their heading angles. Through numerical traffic simulations, the algorithm based on the relative speed leads the aircraft to form groups consisting of aircraft with similar speed. It has been clarified that the safety and efficiency have been considerably improved.