Publications

Refine Results

(Filters Applied) Clear All

Tagged As

Real-time simulation for air traffic control research and development

September 1, 1990
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Steven R. Bussolari
…
Published in:
Proc. 1990 Air Traffic Control Association Conf., September 1990, pp. 378-384.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

An approach is suggested for the incremental use of real-time ATC simulations for concept development and human factors evaluation of automation systems. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics that distinguish research simulators from those used primarily for training. Four general levels of simulator fidelity are identified for two ATC environments of interest: the radar room and the control tower. Fidelity requirements are generated by the specific needs of the particular human factors study to be conducted, ranging from part-task single-controller simulation used for concept demonstration to full-mission simulation of multiple ATC facilities to examine issues of interaction among automation systems. This approach is applicable to smaller simulations performed at an R&D contractor site as well as large-scale system integration studies conducted at a high-fidelity, centralized, simulation facility. It has been applied to the design of simulations of ATCT and TRACON environments that are being used for the evaluation of displays, controls, and procedures for the Airport Surface Traffic Automation (ASTA) and Terminal ATC Automation (TATCA) projects.
READ LESS

Summary

An approach is suggested for the incremental use of real-time ATC simulations for concept development and human factors evaluation of automation systems. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics that distinguish research simulators from those used primarily for training. Four general levels of simulator fidelity are identified for two ATC environments...

READ MORE
Real-time simulation for air traffic control research and development

Analysis of the potential benefits of Terminal Air Traffic Control Automation (TATCA)

May 23, 1990
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Steven B. Boswell
…
Published in:
Proc. 1990 American Control Conf., Vol. 1, 23-25 May 1990, pp.535-542
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

Terminal Air Traffic Control Automation (TATCA) is an FAA research and development program to provide computer-aided sequencing, spacing, and management of air traffic flows in terminal areas. This paper discusses technical and national economic benefits that are attainable with such a terminal automation program.
READ LESS

Summary

Terminal Air Traffic Control Automation (TATCA) is an FAA research and development program to provide computer-aided sequencing, spacing, and management of air traffic flows in terminal areas. This paper discusses technical and national economic benefits that are attainable with such a terminal automation program.

READ MORE
Analysis of the potential benefits of Terminal Air Traffic Control Automation (TATCA)

Mode S Beacon System: a functional overview

August 29, 1989
  |
Project Report
Author:
Vincent A. Orlando
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-150
Topic:
mode S data links
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This document provides a functional overview of the Mode S Beacon System, a combined secondary surveillance radar (beacon) and ground-air-ground data link system capable of providing the aircraft surveillance and communications necessary to support ATC automation in future traffic environments. Mode S is capable of common-channel interoperation with the current ATC beacon system, and may be implemented over an extended transition period. Mode S will provide the surveillance and communication performance required by ATC automation, the reliable communications needed to support data link services, and the capability of operating with a terminal or enroute, radar digitizer-equipped, ATC surveillance radar. The material contained in this document serves as an introduction to the more detailed information contained in "Mode S Beacon System: Functional Description." DOT/FAA/PM-86/19, 29 August 1986.
READ LESS

Summary

This document provides a functional overview of the Mode S Beacon System, a combined secondary surveillance radar (beacon) and ground-air-ground data link system capable of providing the aircraft surveillance and communications necessary to support ATC automation in future traffic environments. Mode S is capable of common-channel interoperation with the current...

READ MORE
Mode S Beacon System: a functional overview

The effectiveness of adaptive PRF selection in minimizing range obscuration in the TDWR system

July 27, 1989
  |
Project Report
Author:
Sandra C. Crocker
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-164
Topic:
radar
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

An adaptive procedure for selecting radar pulse repetition frequency (PRF) has been developed as the primary means of minimizing the occurence of range aliased echoes within operationaly significant coverage aread (e.g., airport runways) of the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) system. This procedure underwent extensive testing at the S-Band TDWR testbed while located in Denver, CO, where it was judged to be highly successful at preserving the integrity of data collected within the vicinity of the Stapleton International Airport runways. The actual TDWR system will operate at a C-Band frequency, and an increase in potential range obscuration is expected over that experience by the S-band testbed. This report discusses the anticipated performance of the PRF selection procedure in the C-Band environment by extrapolating results obtained using S-Band testbed data. The results conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of adaptive PRF selection as a method by which to reduce potential range obscuration. A worst-case scenario, for example, indicates that over 20% of the TDWR radar collected about the airport runways has the potential for being contaminated with range aliased echoes at any given time during TDWR surveillance operations. With adaptive PRF selection, however, the expected obscuration is reduced to only 3%. (The corresponding figures for the S-Band testbed are shown to be 14& rather than 20% and 1% rather than 3%). While adaptive PRF selection can substantially reduce range obscuration, it cannot totally eliminate the problem. An enhancement to the PRF selection strategy, which further reduces the potential range obscuration, is introduced and recommended. Additionally, the complementary use of pulse-to-pulse phase modulation to exact valid velocity measurements in the presence of range contamination is discussed and preliminary experimental results presented.
READ LESS

Summary

An adaptive procedure for selecting radar pulse repetition frequency (PRF) has been developed as the primary means of minimizing the occurence of range aliased echoes within operationaly significant coverage aread (e.g., airport runways) of the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) system. This procedure underwent extensive testing at the S-Band TDWR...

READ MORE
The effectiveness of adaptive PRF selection in minimizing range obscuration in the TDWR system

ASR-9 weather channel test report, executive summary

May 3, 1989
  |
Project Report
Author:
Seth W. Troxel
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-168
Topic:
radar
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

The ASR-9, the next generation Airport surveillance radar, will be deployed by the FAA at over 100 locations throughout the United States. The system includes a weather channel designed to provide ATC personnel with timely and accurate weather reflectivity information as a supplement to normal aircraft information. Comparisons between data from an ASR-9 in Huntsville, Alabama, recorded during design qualification and testing, and data from two other "reference" radars, were used as the basis for assessment of ASR-9 weather channel performance. Results suggest that, with the exception of an apparent 3 dB discrepancy between the weather products of the ASR-9 and the "reference" radars, the ASR-9 weather channel seems to perform according to FAA specifications.
READ LESS

Summary

The ASR-9, the next generation Airport surveillance radar, will be deployed by the FAA at over 100 locations throughout the United States. The system includes a weather channel designed to provide ATC personnel with timely and accurate weather reflectivity information as a supplement to normal aircraft information. Comparisons between data...

READ MORE
ASR-9 weather channel test report, executive summary

Storm models for end-to-end TDWR signal processing simulation tests

May 1, 1989
  |
Project Report
Author:
James E. Evans
Published in:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report ATC-155
Topic:
algorithms
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

End-to-end qualification testing of teh Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) contractor signal processing system will be accomplished by a signal processing simulation test. Government furnished storm models will be used to provide inputs to the signal processor. The corresponding hazardous weather product results will be compared to hte results determined by the detection algorithm developers. This report examines the role of the end-to-end tests in the context of overall TDWR qualification testing and concludes that the signal waveform/velocity ambiguity resolution should be the principal focus of the signal processing simulation testing. Salient characteristics of the initial pair of storm models (a high reflectivity microburst observed in Huntsville, AL, and a series of low-to-moderate reflectivity microburst storms observed in Denver, CO) are described as well as desirable characteristics of additional storm models to be provided later.
READ LESS

Summary

End-to-end qualification testing of teh Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) contractor signal processing system will be accomplished by a signal processing simulation test. Government furnished storm models will be used to provide inputs to the signal processor. The corresponding hazardous weather product results will be compared to hte results determined...

READ MORE
Storm models for end-to-end TDWR signal processing simulation tests

Use of features aloft in the TDWR microburst recognition algorithm

March 27, 1989
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Steven D. Campbell
Published in:
Proc. 24th Conf. on Radar Meteorology, 27-31 March 1989, pp. 167-170.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This paper describes the use of features aloft in the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TWDR) microburst recognition algorithm. The paper is divided into three sections: algorithm description, scan strategy and recent results. The prototype algorithm recognizes features aloft associated with microbursts, such as descending reflectivity cores and convergence aloft. The algorithm uses these signatures to improve the detection performance and timeliness of microburst hazard warnings. For example, the algorithm can use features aloft to make a microburst declaration while the surface outflow is still weak, thereby increasing the hazard warning time. An important factor in microburst recognition algorithm performance is the scan strategy employed. The TDWR scan strategy is designed for timely detection of microburst surface outflows and features aloft. The rationale for the prototype TDWR scan strategy is presented using Denver's Stapleton airport as an example. Recent results are presented demonstrating the ability of the system to recognize features aloft for microburst events observed during the summer of 1988 at Denver, CO. It is shown that the ability to recognize features aloft improved the probability of detection and hazard warning time for these events.
READ LESS

Summary

This paper describes the use of features aloft in the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TWDR) microburst recognition algorithm. The paper is divided into three sections: algorithm description, scan strategy and recent results. The prototype algorithm recognizes features aloft associated with microbursts, such as descending reflectivity cores and convergence aloft. The...

READ MORE
Use of features aloft in the TDWR microburst recognition algorithm

Gust front detection algorithm for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar: part 2, performance assessment

February 3, 1989
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Diana L. Klingle-Wilson
…
Published in:
Third Int. Conf. on the Aviation Weather System, 30 January - 3 February 1989, pp. 398-402.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

During the summer of 1988, the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) was conducted near Denver, CO. One of the objectives of this test was to assess the performance of the Gust Front Detection and Wind Shift Algorithms (Gust Front Algorithm) to be used in the TDWR system. This paper presents an overview of the Gust Front Algorithm system from data collection to products displays and discusses the performance of the algorithm during the 1988 OT&E. Data editing, product generation, ground truth and scoring issues are addressed. Scoring results for the various products are presented and problems identified during the OT&E are discussed. The design of the Gust Front Algorithm is discussed in the companion paper (Part 1 Current Status) numbered 1.6 in this preprint volume. The Gust Front Algorithm serves two functions: warning and planning. Warnings are provided in alphanumeric messages on a "Ribbon Display Terminal", Wind shear warnings are issued when a gust front impacts the runways or within 3 miles of the ends of the runways. The planning function consists of alerting an Air Traffic Control Supervisor when a change in wind speed and/or direction due to a gust front at the airport will occur within 20 minutes. This planning information is displayed on a Geographic Situation Usplay (GSD).
READ LESS

Summary

During the summer of 1988, the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) was conducted near Denver, CO. One of the objectives of this test was to assess the performance of the Gust Front Detection and Wind Shift Algorithms (Gust Front Algorithm) to be used in the...

READ MORE
Gust front detection algorithm for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar: part 2, performance assessment

Gust front detection algorithm for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar : part 1, current status

February 3, 1989
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Steven D. Smith
…
Published in:
Proc. Third Int. Conf. on the Aviation Weather System, 30 January - 3 February 1989, pp. 31-34.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

The gust front detection and wind shift algorithm is one of the two main algorithms developed for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) program. This two-part paper documents some recent enhancements to, and the current status of, the algorithm (Part 1) and presents some results from recent testing of the algorithm during the TDWR Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) (Part 2: Klingle-Wilson et al., 1989).
READ LESS

Summary

The gust front detection and wind shift algorithm is one of the two main algorithms developed for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) program. This two-part paper documents some recent enhancements to, and the current status of, the algorithm (Part 1) and presents some results from recent testing of the...

READ MORE
Gust front detection algorithm for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar : part 1, current status

Microburst recognition performance of TDWR operational testbed

February 3, 1989
  |
Conference Paper
Author:
Steven D. Campbell
…
Published in:
Proc. Third Int. Conf. on the Aviation Weather System, 30 January - 3 February 1989, pp. 25-30.
Topic:
air traffic control
R&D area:
R&D group:

Summary

This paper describes current work in assessing the microburst recognition performance of the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) operational testbed. The paper is divided into three main sections: microburst recognition algorithm, performance assessment methodology and results. The first section provides an overview of the prototype TDWR microburst recognition algorithm The algorithm uses radar data from both surface scans and scans aloft to identify microburst events. The surface scan is used to identify microburst outflows, and the scans aloft provide information concerning reflectivity and velocity structures associated with microbursts to improve recognition rate and timeliness. The second section of the paper describes the methodology for assessing the recognition performance of the system. The performance of the testbed system is addressed from two viewpoints: radar detectability and pattern recognition capability. The issue of radar detectability is examined by comparing radar and mesonet data to determine if any events observed by the mesonet fail to be observed by the radar. The issue of pattern recognition performance is assessed by comparing microburst recognition algorithm outputs with truth as determined by expert radar meteorologists. The final section of the paper provides performance results for data collected by the testbed radar at Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO.
READ LESS

Summary

This paper describes current work in assessing the microburst recognition performance of the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) operational testbed. The paper is divided into three main sections: microburst recognition algorithm, performance assessment methodology and results. The first section provides an overview of the prototype TDWR microburst recognition algorithm The...

READ MORE
Microburst recognition performance of TDWR operational testbed
171-180 of 273