A Medium Term Conflict Detection and Resolution system for Terminal Maneuvering Area based on Spatial Data Structures and 4D Trajectories

► An efficient Medium Term Conflict Detection and Resolution paradigm is proposed. ► Research is in line with the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) ConOps. ► Validated simulations with peak-hour approaching/landing air traffic were run. ► New metric to measure runway capacity usage is proposed: the index of utilization. ► 4D trajectories are de-conflicted in real time optimizing runway capacity and fuel. In this paper an efficient Medium Term Conflict Detection and Resolution (MTCD&R) approach based on 4D trajectories to solve conflicts in a Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) is presented. The conflict detection subsystem (CD) is based on a Spatial Data Structure (SDS), avoiding non-efficient pairwise trajectory comparisons, and using a simplified wake vortex modeling through 4D tubes to detect time-based separation infringements between aircraft. The conflict resolution subsystem (CR) solves the detected conflicts with an efficient and dynamic 3D allocation of the arrival routes that takes into consideration the execution of Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs). Algorithms have been tested with several stressing traffic scenarios (rush hour and saturation rush hour) taking place in a 3D simulation model of Gran Canaria Extended TMA. The resulting conflict-free trajectories have been validated for flyability conformance both with real A380 FMS avionics and with a certified B738 Full Flight Simulator. A new CR performance metric to measure the degree of runway utilization is also proposed in order to enable comparisons between different MTCD&R systems. Finally, a discussion about strengths and limitations of the algorithms for reducing controller’s workload while increasing airspace capacity of the future Single European Sky is outlined.