Computer Model of a Collision-Avoidance System for Air Traffic Control

Extract

Among the major problems encountered in the control of air traffic are those concerned with conflict prediction and resolution. An interesting method by which many of the associated difficulties could probably be overcome would be by employment of a suitable type of computer-controlled Airborne Traffic Situation Display (ATSD). This would operate in a manner similar to that described for the Fully Automated Pilot-Monitored ATC, utilizing information derived from an ATC Centre via ground/air data link.

In addition to the ATSD and the associated digital computer the airborne equipment required for this system includes an electronic data display (EDD) and a bulk storage unit for enabling flight plan and map data to be set up on the relevant display. The ground-based ATC subsystem could automatically provide the pilot with information concerning other air traffic in the vicinity, warning him of any potential conflict situations and advising him of an appropriate evasion manoeuvre. The air traffic data could automatically up-date the back-up information for both the ATSD and the EDD, whilst details of any proposed collision-avoidance manoeuvre could appear on the EDD. The pilot would be able to employ his airborne computing and ATSD system for monitoring the situation. He should therefore be able to confirm the likelihood of a collision, to check the time available before a potential impact and to determine the most suitable manoeuvre for collision avoidance. This manoeuvre will generally agree with that selected by the ground system.