Abstract

This paper presents the parallelisation of a Sequential Monte Carlo algorithm, and the associated changes required when applied to the problem of conflict resolution and aircraft trajectory control in air traffic management. The target problem is non-linear, constrained, non-convex and multi-agent. The new method is shown to have a 98.5% computational time saving over that of a previous sequential implementation, with no degradation in path quality. The computation saving is enough to allow real-time implementation. This work was supported by EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - UK) Grant No. EP/G066477/1 In proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Decision and Control 2013

Abstract

This paper reports on the use of a parallelised Model Predictive Control, Sequential Monte Carlo algorithm for solving the problem of conflict resolution and aircraft trajectory control in air traffic management specifically around the terminal manoeuvring area of an airport. The target problem is nonlinear, highly constrained, non-convex and uses a single decision-maker with multiple aircraft. The implementation includes a spatio-temporal wind model and rolling window simulations for realistic ongoing scenarios. The method is capable of handling arriving and departing aircraft simultaneously including some with very low fuel remaining. A novel flow field is proposed to smooth the approach trajectories for arriving aircraft and all trajectories are planned in three dimensions. Massive parallelisation of the algorithm allows solution speeds to approach those required for real-time use. This work was supported by EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - UK) Grant No. EP/G066477/1 AIAA Conference on Guidance, Navigation and Control 2013

Abstract

SUMMARY In this paper we consider a specific Air Traffic Management problem, where multiple aircraft in as pecif ic region are required to reach ad if ferent target zone in minimum expected time, while maintaining safe separation. The problem is complicated by the presence of random wind disturbances. We propose a realistic policy to automatically generate optimal and safe manoeuvres for each aircraft. The parameters of the optimal policy are computed using a Sequential Monte Carlo approach. Copyright c � 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.