Innovative Research

Metron Aviation conducts and participates in innovative research and development projects to develop the future National Airspace System (NAS). Metron Aviation requires that employees be multi-disciplined and work in teams that include researchers from diverse backgrounds. Innovative research is required in today’s complex world of aviation. Current projects include:

Projects
Intent Inference Algorithm Equitable Distribution of Resources Resource Allocation Mitigating Noise Constraints Airspace Redesign Projects Planning Under Uncertainty

 

Intent Inference Algorithm–The Intent Inference project develops algorithms that infer the intent of a pilot while in flight. Such algorithms can be used to monitor potential threats in Homeland Security applications, automatically track causes of delays in the NAS, and warn pilots that a nearby aircraft should be avoided.

Equitable Distribution of Resources–Along with safe and efficient operation of the NAS, air traffic service providers are committed to equitable treatment of their customers. Equity-related issues can be highly complex, subjective, and politically constrained. Metron Aviation applies its extensive background in FAA-industry relations and resource allocation research to promote long-term and real-time policies that are fair to all NAS users through tool development such as Collaborative Routing Resource Allocation (CRRA).

Resource Allocation–Whenever there is competition for limited resources, traffic flow management must make critical resource allocation decisions. Metron Aviation develops tools like Flight Schedule Monitor (FSM) and algorithms to ensure that NAS resources are used wisely. Approaches vary from system-wide optimization to market-based mechanisms.

Mitigating Noise Constraints–Metron Aviation is the developer of the FAA’s Noise Integrated Routing System (NIRS) and as such is heavily involved in several noise analyses throughout the country. In addition Metron Aviation is developing other models to provide NAS-wide noise and emissions modeling as well as tools to develop noise sensitive procedures.

Airspace Redesign Projects–Airspace design is currently developed using multiple tools that are costly and restrict the options available to the designer. Often the tools do not provide a consistent view or appropriate information to support the design. We are developing tools that integrate the design of the en route and terminal areas thereby providing a consistent tool for designers to share alternatives. These new tools will provide operational and environmental Airspace Redesign results that support quick assessments of a design and allow for a more thorough investigation of the alternatives.

Planning Under Uncertainty–Many of the traditional approaches to traffic flow management rely on deterministic planning and techniques. Collaboration and mutual awareness play a key role in mitigating the potentially damaging effects of weather uncertainty. Metron Aviation actively pursues new methods for planning strategic traffic flow management under variable demand and capacity conditions. Approaches include contingency planning, scenario-based optimization, and decision-tree modeling.

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