Maturity Enhancements for Aircraft Simulation for Traffic Operations Research

Abstract

Efforts directed at enhancing and maturing NASA Langley Research Center's Airspace and Traffic Operations Simulation (ATOS) and Aircraft Simulation for Traffic Operations Research (ASTOR) software frameworks are described. ATOS and ASTOR were created to explore future concepts for air traffic management in the national airspace, commonly referred to as Next Generation Air Transportation Systems (NextGen). This software allows for multiple aircraft, both manually controlled and autonomously controlled, to be simulated during airport operations including phases such as approach and departure, landing and takeoff, and taxi and ground movement. This simulation can be used to study the effects of modification to traffic patterns, runway usage, separation constraints, traffic management strategy, technology infusion, and uninhabited air vehicle integration. Specific enhancements addressed development of a dual-crew research station, increased surface operation capability, expanded cockpit view scenery, and improved ground handling model characteristics. The goal is to develop NextGen concepts that will provide high capacity and efficient air operations with enhanced safety and reduced risk in the national airspace system.