CNS/ATM System Architecture Concepts and Future Vision of NAS Operations in 2020 Timeframe
Abstract
In the future, the demand for air traffic services will not only increase but also will likely shift from scheduled operations towards more unscheduled operations for air taxi, charter, fractional ownership, and on-demand small low-cost aircraft. As the metropolitan areas continue to grow, the satellite airports around major hubs will provide a wide range of flight options for people to fly between their homes and places of business or pleasure. This paper describes an air transportation systems architecture concept and a vision of the future operating environment based on industry trends for air traffic demand and aviation technology enhancements. A multi-facet airport infrastructure is developed to support suburban direct, spoke-to-spoke, and intra/inter-city Vertical Short Take Off and Landing (VSTOL) operations. A multi-level Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) architecture is presented that is intended to assure robustness and seamless coverage. The future Air Traffic Management (ATM) system architecture considers end-to-end traffic flow planning and control by National, Regional and Local facilities with a redefined role of service providers as strategic planners and tactical controllers. In spite of a majority of aircraft equipped with enhanced avionics capable of flying 4D Navigation and strategically separated, the operational concepts presented are designed to also provide service to less equipped General Aviation (GA) aircraft as well as the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Modeling and simulation results are presented illustrating the potential growth in future demand and fleet mix at 30 major airports, as well as airborne/ground movement delays at these airports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- AD1126215
Entities
People
- Andrew R. Lacher
- Paul A. Ostwald
- Satish C. Mohleji
Organizations
- MITRE Corporation