ACES terminal model enhancement

Abstract

Terminal model enhancement is an advanced modeling capability for simulating terminal area airport and airspace traffic operations. But, more importantly, TME is a platform for testing advanced air traffic management concepts using plug-and-play modeling. TME augments the existing airport surface and terminal airspace modeling capabilities of NASA's airspace concept evaluation system, an agent-based fast-time National Airspace System simulation. TME supports detailed analysis of concepts addressing future surface and terminal airspace operations. TME models 4-dimension trajectories and provides a system of pluggable components upon which replacement components can be developed to model alternative operational concepts. TME Airport ATC and TFM agents generate surface route plans, move aircraft through a vertex-edge graph, implementing pilot self-separation and controller conflict resolution, gridlock avoidance and gate utilization models. TME TRACON ATC, TFM and flight agents apply advanced sequencing and spacing modeling to determine conflict-resolved airspace route plans, assign landing times and use 4D trajectory modeling to fly aircraft along route plans. TME introduces a unique runway operations model that integrates TRACON landing management with airport ATC takeoff and runway taxi crossing management.