4D Trajectory Management System for Flight Planning Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic management systems lack detailed and flexible flight planning capabilities, limiting the efficiency of aircraft operations due to the lack of comprehensive 4D trajectory information shared between aircraft operators and Air Navigation Service Providers, which is typically only available shortly before departure.
Innovation Solution
The Fleet Wide Trajectory Management System (FWTMS) generates and disseminates 4D trajectory-intent data, including position and flight intent information, to authorized stakeholders, allowing for advanced planning and resource allocation, using a system that includes input specification, default values, aircraft performance models, navigation data, and atmospheric conditions, formatted for tailored output and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If detailed 4D trajectory information is shared between aircraft operators and Air Navigation Service Providers, then flight planning efficiency and resource allocation improve, but system complexity and data management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments trajectory data into discrete 4D components (position, speed, altitude, time) that can be independently processed and managed. This segmentation allows complex trajectory information to be broken down into manageable data elements that can be exchanged between operators and ANSPs without overwhelming system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data exchange system that standardizes the format and protocol for sharing 4D trajectory information between aircraft operators and Air Navigation Service Providers. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of data integration while enabling efficient information flow between parties
2Measurement precision
If full detailed 4D trajectory data is transmitted from Flight Management System to Air Traffic Control, then trajectory accuracy and planning capability improve, but data transmission timing and FMS configuration requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary computation and exchange of 4D trajectory data before the traditional FMS configuration stage. By performing trajectory calculations and data preparation in advance, the system makes accurate trajectory information available to Air Traffic Control earlier in the flight planning process, resolving the timing conflict between data accuracy and availability
3Device complexity
If only basic flight plan data is shared early in the planning process, then system simplicity is maintained, but resource allocation efficiency and detailed planning capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of data exchange by transitioning from basic flight plan information (simple route and timing) to comprehensive 4D trajectory parameters (position, speed, altitude, time with precise navigation data). This parameter enhancement enables detailed resource allocation and efficiency improvements while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized data formats
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (400) and system (100) of managing an aerial vehicle trajectory is provided. The remote trajectory management system (RTMS) (100) for a fleet of aircraft includes an input specification module (102) configured to manage information specifying flight-specific input data used to generate a trajectory, an aircraft model module (106) including data that specifies a performance of the aircraft and engines of the aircraft, a predict 4D trajectory module (116) configured to receive the specified inputs from the input specification module and an aircraft performance model from aircraft model module (106) and to generate a 4D trajectory for a predetermined flight, and a trajectory export module (120) configured to transmit a predetermined subset of the predicted trajectory to the aircraft.