Application of Optimal Control Theory to Satellite-Based Oceanic Air Traffic Control

Abstract

This paper describes the application of stochastic optimal control theory to the design and analysis of a satellite-based Air Traffic Control (ATC) system for the North Atlantic. The longitudinal and lateral motion of several oceanic aircraft is simulated by postulating the existence of an ATC system, part of which is derived from optimal control considerations. The simulated environment includes such factors as errors arising from navigation, wind and surveillance. The control algorithm includes a Kalman filter in tandem with an optimal regulator, with adjustable update and command rates, and command thresholds. The analytical tool that is developed herein can be used as a basis for deriving the expected separation standards to be used with a future satellite-based system. In addition, it can be used to determine the impact of design trade-offs on system performance.