Conflict Detection and Resolution for Free Flight

Abstract

Conflict detection and resolution has a long history of investigation, but further investigation is necessary as a result of new Free Flight policies removing many constraints; new data link, GPS, and avionics technologies; and an increased emphasis on economic and market factors. In this paper, we analyze Free Flight conflict detection and resolution problems and solve two-aircraft encounter problems with tactical/strategic cases. We describe optimal tactical conflict resolution algorithms that maximize miss distance, and strategic conflict resolution algorithms that minimize the economic costs of conflict resolution. For a cost-benefit analysis, we compare the economic results of heading, speed, and altitude maneuvers based on horizontal separation requirements of 5, 3, and 1 nmi, reflecting the progression toward future reduced separation requirements for Free Flight. In general, altitude maneuvers are shown to be the most economical, followed by heading maneuvers, and finally speed change maneuvers.