Airspace Optimization is a modeling methodology
combining airspace simulation and mathematical algorithms
for optimally designing airspace boundaries at both
center and sector levels. As an initial step, airspace
complexity metrics are calculated using large-scale
simulation of aircraft movement for uniform hexagonal
grids representing airspace elements. The simulation
outputs are used to produce airspace complexity
maps independent from existing center/sector boundaries.
Then hexagonal cells are clustered together to construct
optimum center/sector boundaries. The clustering
problem is formulated as optimization algorithms
that are solved using state-of-the-art mathematical
solvers.
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- System level design approach
to address key issues associated with system
level re-design
- Grid based optimization methodology
- Reduces operational costs
by decreasing the overall
ATC workload - Maximizes the airspace throughput
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Example of DFW high
altitude re-design.
Unlike most of the traditional airspace design
approaches, this technology aims for a system level
(as opposed to regional) design to address key issues
associated with system level re-design, such as
optimum center/sector boundaries, number of sectors,
and size of sectors. The grid-based optimization
methodology enables the inclusion of wide range
of objective functions and constraints including
minimization of inter-center/sector coordination,
uniformly distributing the workload among centers/sectors,
and minimizing the operational cost. The optimum
design reduces the operational costs by decreasing
the overall ATC workload and also maximizes the
airspace throughput.
Hex-cells are first
clustered to centers. Clustering is further continued
within the revised centers to determine the optimum
sector boundaries. Here, DFW sectors are shaped
along the major tracks.
The Airspace Optimization technology has been developed
as a part of the collaborative program between Metron
Aviation, NeoMetSys, and academia. Initial testing
and verification have been conducted and the technology
is being industrialized to prepare for further application.
Currently the FAA has awarded a project to Metron
Aviation for mathematical research into designing
Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs).
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