A track search optimization method for implicit coordination

Abstract

As one of the future surveillance applications that support high performance operations in the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), Airborne Conflict Management (ACM) includes self-separation as well as conflict detection and resolution (CDR) functions. The functions evaluate possible future loss of separation, detect conflicts in a timely manner, and provide resolution options where necessary. Furthermore, CDR can be performed either independently or coordinated. Implicit conflict coordination is an efficient solution to CDR since it allocates the maneuver requirement to multiple aircraft and often results in a less overall disruption to airspace while assuming no data exchange between conflicting aircraft other than surveillance data (i.e. positions, velocity). This paper summarizes the methodology of typical geometric-based conflict resolution, explores the issues and problems of extending independent resolution methods to coordination methods, and proposes a track search optimization method to find the optimal solution for coordination based on criteria that minimizing certain cost functions.