Minimizing the Cost of Weather Cells and Persistent Contrail Formation Region Avoidance Using Multi-Objective Trajectory Optimization in Air Traffic Management

Matthew Marino, Alessandro Gardi, Roberto Sabatini, Trevor Kistan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper gives the concepts and mathematically models required for the development of the Multi Objective Trajectory Optimization (MOTO) functionalities to be implemented into the next generation of ATM system. MOTO algorithms are introduced whereby data from various sources are utilized to optimize flight paths for various user defined objectives. The algorithms require digital resources of weather, aircraft data, metrological maps and air traffic. These will be used in conjunction with various mathematical models to compute trajectories that minimize various objectives such as fuel, emissions and operational cost. The automated 4D trajectory computation algorithms are restricted to single flight level to not violate the current layered vertical air route structure for the cruise phase of flight. As such the complexity of the generated trajectories reduces to 2 dimensions plus time (2D+T), which are adequately represented in the radar display, and this improves the ATC Operator's familiarity in the tactical trajectory management and deconfliction, as control over vertical separation is maintained. This also permits the ATCO to amend the flight level of an optimized trajectory in the traditional manner if necessary. The constant flight level limitation will theoretically produce a sub-optimal flight path however the computed trajectory will remain more efficient than a straight line as the atmospheric winds are exploited to maximize flight speed while reducing fuel burn and emissions.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)38-46
Number of pages9
JournalSAE International Journal of Aerospace
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Sep 2015

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Minimizing the Cost of Weather Cells and Persistent Contrail Formation Region Avoidance Using Multi-Objective Trajectory Optimization in Air Traffic Management'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this