Aircraft 4D Track Replication for ATC Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic control systems are inefficient due to the need for individual aircraft to be independently cleared and controlled, leading to complex and time-consuming voice control procedures, especially in busy hubs where multiple aircraft are flying complex routes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where aircraft can follow a lead aircraft or virtual lead aircraft, receiving and recording their 4D tracks to replicate their flight paths, allowing for 'maintain track and separation' clearances that reduce the workload on air traffic control and enhance flight efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual aircraft are independently cleared and controlled by ATC, then each aircraft receives precise individual control, but the voice control workload and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual lead aircraft that copies and stores the flight track of a real lead aircraft. Follower aircraft then copy this stored 4D track data to replicate the lead aircraft's flight path, eliminating the need for continuous voice control while maintaining precise trajectory following
Solution Approach 2:
Follower aircraft autonomously receive and process the virtual lead aircraft's 4D track data, automatically navigating along the recorded path without requiring continuous ATC voice instructions. The system enables self-separation and self-sequencing capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aircraft fly complex routes in busy hubs, then route coverage is comprehensive, but voice control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-records the complete 4D flight track of the lead aircraft before follower aircraft begin their flight. This preliminary capture of trajectory data allows multiple followers to independently navigate complex routes without real-time voice coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the control function into distinct segments: the lead aircraft's track is independently recorded, the virtual lead aircraft independently broadcasts the 4D data, and each follower aircraft independently processes and follows its assigned track, eliminating the need for centralized continuous voice control
3Ease of operation
If aircraft follow recorded 4D tracks of lead aircraft, then controller workload is reduced, but real-time control flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates virtual lead aircraft tracks based on real-time lead aircraft performance and environmental conditions. The 4D track data is continuously updated and rebroadcast, allowing the follower aircraft to adapt to changing flight conditions while maintaining automated track following
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the lead aircraft's actual flight performance feeds into the virtual lead aircraft's 4D track data. This feedback loop ensures that follower aircraft receive updated trajectory information that reflects real-time conditions, maintaining flexibility while reducing controller workload
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include an aircraft including a processor. The processor may be configured to: receive a lead aircraft assignment instruction, the lead aircraft assignment instruction instructing the aircraft to follow a lead aircraft; determine whether the aircraft is receiving sufficient lead aircraft traffic data from the lead aircraft to record a four-dimensional (4D) track of the lead aircraft; upon a determination that the aircraft is receiving the sufficient lead aircraft traffic data, output an acceptance of the lead aircraft assignment instruction; receive the lead aircraft traffic data from the lead aircraft, the lead aircraft traffic data including information at least one of associated with or of the track of the lead aircraft; record the track of the lead aircraft; and output commands configured to cause (a) the aircraft to follow the recorded track, or (b) guidance content for following the recorded track of the lead aircraft to be presented.