After successfully completing a thorough validation session, SESAR partners, BULATSA in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space held an open day to demonstrate the capabilities of the conflict detection and resolution system TESLA (Tactical Encounter SoLver Assistant).
The event is the concluding stage of a dedicated work on project PJ.18 W2 – Solution 53B – Improved Ground Trajectory Predictions Enabling Future Automation Tools, part of 4DSkyways project, under SESAR 2020 programme. The development of TESLA started in 2016 with close partnership and cooperation between Airbus Defense&Space and BULATSA.
About TESLA
TESLA aims to improve air traffic management through high-level automation and compliance monitoring in a pre-tactical and tactical time horizon. The system assists air traffic controllers in managing separation and providing optimal conflict-free routes and climb and descent profiles for departing, arriving and overflying aircraft. To do this, TESLA uses multiple sources of information to build accurate trajectory for each aircraft. It then compares those trajectories to detect possible conflicts. At the same time the system provides resolutions by calculating trajectories for any alternative clearances that ATCOs might issue – this includes cases when change of the following components is needed - Direct, Flight level, Speed, Vertical Speed and Heading. Ultimately, TESLA advises if the new clearance is conflict-free or not.
TESLA demonstration exercise
On the Open Day, BULATSA and Airbus DS demonstrated the project’s progress, discussed technological and operational developments, and presented the preliminary results of the conducted TESLA validation.
Representatives of the air navigation service providers of Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, and guests from EUROCONTROL, SESAR 3 JU and the industry, including Airbus DS, Airbus Aircraft and Leonardo, got acquainted with TESLA’s development and behaviour in an interactive format. Guests observed a session that demonstrated the performance of the system through simulation of real airspace environment and real air traffic. BULATSA air traffic controllers performed a demonstration of TESLA’s capabilities. They carried out an exercise which showcased the resolution of numerous conflict situations in the area of Sofia Approach and Sofia Control supported by TESLA. Improved conflict management was assisted by a combination of refined system trajectories prediction using data received from the aircraft (EPP information via ADS-C). Moreover, participants had the opportunity to try out for themselves the functionalities of TESLA by testing the prototype at an especially equipped venue.
Main improvements & results
At this stage, main TESLA improvements are defined by:
- further implementation of #ADS-C EPP data;
- increased level of CD&R aid automation – “What-next” system recommendation element and resolutions ranking;
- weather avoidance applicability of the geo-fencing used in the CD&R aid logic;
- trajectory prediction (TP) improvement thanks to ADS-C Meteo reports.
The validation results show that TESLA has a beneficial effect on air traffic controllers’ situational awareness, workload and performance, on airspace capacity, safety and the environment.
SESAR 2020 is a European Union programme focused on the development and validation of technological solutions in the field of air traffic management. It is funded by the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.