Human-in-the-loop simulation analysis of integrated RPAS operations in trajectory based operations environment

Abstract

In this paper, Human-in-the-Loop (HiTL) simulations of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operations in two different Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts, conventional radar vectoring and Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), were performed to assess the impacts of RPAS integration in the future ATM environment. TBO concept maximizes the throughput by planning and sharing 4-D trajectories between pilots and controllers, and it is considered one of the key concepts to enable RPASs to operate with manned aircraft in congested airspaces. RPASs are characterized by having communication delay or temporary loss of communication. TBO capability was added to the integrated air traffic simulation system for this study, which was developed in the Inha University. HiTL simulations were performed by a trainee air traffic controller with three scenarios, and the data were analyzed using safety, efficiency, and controller workload metrics. The results suggest that TBO were effective in reducing delays and controller workload while maintaining the level of safety.