Development and Integration of Human-Centered Conflict Detection and Resolution Tools for Airborne Autonomous Operations

Abstract

Today’s crowded airspace burdens both the pilot and controller with a heavy workload pertaining to the maintenance of conflict-free flight. Conflict detection and resolution (CD&R) tools have become a key element in modern flight systems and future airspace concept simulations. In this paper we describe an automated resolution tool that was developed at NASA Ames Research Center as part of an experimental evaluation of the Distributed Air-Ground concept. The tool is based on an analysis of conflict geometry and was developed as an intent (i.e. flight plan) resolution system. A key simplifying concept used in the development of airborne automated resolutions is the notion of “Rules of the Road” - a set of rules that uniquely assigns responsibility for the mitigation of a conflict. This paper outlines the challenges in developing such an automated resolution tool, as well as the lessons learned and the limitations observed.