State of Texas Advanced Technology Program, Austin, TX
1 January 2000 – 31 December 2001
Co-P.I. John H. Painter
Total award $208,061



Specific tasks and research objectives:
- Resolve trajectory guidance conflict resolution by implementing a suitable guidance software architecture and requisite algorithms, with validation by fixed-base flight simulation, under Free Flight conditions. This is the key technology item for enabling individual aircraft to compute and fly trajectories while simultaneously maintaining separation from other data-linked aircraft, from weather, and from terrain. Achievement of this objective is greatly aided by the existing fixed-base flight simulator, having the augmentable cockpit software system produced under the previous NASA Langley GAPATS project.
- Simulator validation of the conflict resolution guidance software, specifically with regard to handling traffic restrictions for scenarios with multiple aircraft. This entails generating the multiple traffic trajectories that are to be digitally communicated to the aircraft, according to the Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) format and scenarios.
- Simulator validation of the weather restrictions guidance software, for the conditions of squall line weather. Simulated radar intensity data for a moving line of thunderstorms will be generated, and this intensity data will be integrated into the existing moving map display, and into the existing simulator weather graphic, as seen from the cockpit.
Working with me on this program are Graduate Research Assistants:
- C. Cale Stephens
- Surya U. Shandy
- Jie Rong
- Sangeeta Bokadia
- Dallas Hopper
and Undergraduate Research Assistants:
- Kristi Ferber
- Heather Ransom
- Theresa Spaeth
- Nicole Norstrud