A TCAS-II Resolution Advisory Detection Algorithm
The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is a family of airborne systems designed to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions between aircraft. TCAS II, the current generation of TCAS devices, provides resolution advisories that direct pilots to maintain or increase vertical separation when aircraft distance and time parameters are beyond designed system thresholds. This paper presents a mathematical model of the TCAS II Resolution Advisory (RA) logic that assumes accurate aircraft state information. Based on this model, an algorithm for RA detection is also presented. This algorithm is analogous to a conflict detection algorithm, but instead of predicting loss of separation, it predicts resolution advisories. It has been formally verified that for a kinematic model of aircraft trajectories, this algorithm completely and correctly characterizes all encounter geometries between two aircraft that lead to a resolution advisory within a given lookahead time interval. The RA detection algorithm proposed in this paper is a fundamental component of a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sense and avoid concept for the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in civil airspace.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Langley Research Center
Hampton, VA United States 23681 -
Authors:
- Munoz, Cesar
- Narkawicz, Anthony
- Chamberlain, James
- Publication Date: 2013-8
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: References; Tables;
- Pagination: 12p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Air traffic control; Aircraft separation; Algorithms; Crash avoidance systems; Drones; Mathematical models; Vehicle trajectories
- Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01535763
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Aug 27 2014 10:50AM