Human-in-the-loop simulation analysis of conict resolution maneuvers using an air traffic control simulation

Abstract

As the technologies and demands of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPASs) growing rapidly, integration of RPAS into the existing airspace system is becoming an issue in many countries. To establish rules and regulations for RPAS integration, it is important to understand the impacts of RPAS, which have different flight performances, communication characteristics, separation assurance mechanisms, and human machine interfaces from manned aircraft, on the airspace system. A simulation system that integrates manned aircraft, air traffic control, and RPASs is developed in Inha University to investigate these impacts through Human-in-The-Loop (HiTL) simulations. For the initial test, a scenario with communication delays between the controller and the pilot of the RPAS was constructed. HiTL simulations were performed with several trainee controllers in Korean Aerospace University. Metrics such as Loss of Well Clear (LOWC), delay, and NASA Task Load Index were investigated to analyze the relation between safety, efficiency, and work- load respectively. The results show that the introduction of RPASs with communication delay generally causes other manned aircraft to maneuver, which leads to increased delay and workload. Meanwhile, safety is not significantly impacted.