ATM simulators


RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT	PROFILE	FOCAL AREAS	R&D NEWS	SERVICE AREA

Research projectsATM simulationsATM simulatorsInnovation management

ATM simulators

For quite some time now, our validation work has been delivering proof whether, for example, a newly developed working procedures or an airspace change brings the desired advantages or not (e.g. reduced workload, higher airspace capacity). Such work requires flexible, high-performance ATM simulators.

The DFS training simulators also arose from this validation tool. With this modern simulation infrastructure, DFS has laid an important foundation for the training of air traffic controllers, maintaining their level of performance and the validation of ATM procedures and systems.

These systems include:

Real-time simulators for en-route and approach (Business unit Control Centre):
There is a host of en-route simulators available for research and training applications in the field of real-time simulators. The Advanced Function Simulator is a research simulator which provides DFS with a computer-aided real-time simulator to investigate R&D questions. NEWSIM, the current generation of ATM training simulators at DFS, is used for the training of air traffic controllers. The simulator offers a work environment that air traffic controllers know from their daily work with sophisticated ATM systems.

Real-time simulators for aerodrome control and apron control (Business unit Tower):
From 2D training consoles to 3D simulators with 360-degree panorama external view, various system variants are available for R&D and training. The DFS tower simulator "TOSIM" is one of the largest and most advanced simulation systems.

Networking of real-time simulators
Via a connection between NEWSIM and TOSIM, real-time simulations can be conducted gate-to-gate. This means that the whole ATM process is simulated with apron and aerodrome control through take-off at the departure aerodrome, en-route and approach control until the landing, including apron and aerodrome control at the destination aerodrome.

Fast-time simulator AirTOp®:
Since 2009, the fast-time simulation software "AirTOp" (Air Traffic Optimiser), commissioned by DFS and specified by experts from the R&D department, provides DFS with a high-performance agent-based simulation software, which can be used for airspace and aerodrome simulations. Fast-time simulations can be used to optimise existing structures and draw up new alternatives. The assessment and evaluation can be made based on set criteria in a short period of time.

A comprehensive description can be found here.


14/12/2011	PRINT