A Self-separation Algorithm using Relative Speed for a High-density Air Corridor

Abstract

This paper discusses algorithms for the self-separation of aircraft operating in a high-density air corridor. An air corridor is a tube or band-shaped piece of airspace that connects congested airports, high-demand city areas, etc. Aircraft in the corridor all fly in the same direction, and only aircraft capable of self-separation may operate in the corridor. An appropriate self-separation algorithm is indispensable for realizing high traffic throughput while maintaining safety. In this paper, we augment a previously developed basic self-separation function with a new algorithm that determines heading changes based on the relative speed of other traffic. The basic self-separation function uses the relative lateral positions of other aircraft to determine heading changes for conflict avoidance assuming that all aircraft intend to fly along the corridor. Numerical traffic simulations show that the new algorithm, based on relative speed, leads to the formation of groups of aircraft with similar speed. It is clarified that the introduction of a simple common rule concerning turn direction achieves a drastic improvement in the degree of control while maintaining safety. It is also found that the control amount is equalized regardless of the flight speed and its variability.