5G-based collaborative trajectory following modeling and enhancement in connected and automated airspace environment

In an emerging trajectory-based operation (TBO) environment within the advanced autonomous airspace, traffic operation along reference trajectories can function as trajectory-following mechanisms. However, 5G-based following dynamics still remain underexplored, limiting further utilization of lower-latency 5G technology other than data links. This limitation affects air traffic stability when encountering disturbance, preventing autonomous airspeed adjustment, and safe separation without air traffic controller interventions. Thus, this paper addresses these gaps by proposing a generalized 5G-based trajectory-following model to explore microscopic behaviors and traffic stability in a typically connected environment. Three key variables are identified based on the classical optimal velocity model: bi-directional attention distribution, air-to-air communication performance, and communication latency. Finally, the stability criterion is derived by the adopted perturbation method. Typical numerical simulations have verified the air traffic stability under various connectivity degrees. These findings can precisely identify the optimal connectivity, rational attention distribution, and their balance for enhancing stability. [Display omitted] •A trajectory-following model is proposed for autonomous airspace operations•Attention distribution and A2A communication are modeled as variables•Air traffic flow stability in connected airspace is analyzed using the model•Required communication performance is assessed for stability as traffic increases Computer science; Engineering; Environmental science