Safety of a decentralized scheme for free-flight ATMS using mixed integer linear programming

In this paper we consider policies for free-flight management of air traffic. We consider instantaneous and bounded heading angle deviation as conflict avoidance maneuvers. The corresponding model, resulting in a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem allow to solve both conflict detection and conflict resolution problems. The developed algorithm proved successful in a centralized implementation with a large number of cooperating aircraft. However, the application of such algorithm to a free flight environment, where cooperation can only be expected from neighboring aircraft, poses many challenges. We consider a model of the decentralized conflict resolution strategy that is based on a hybrid system, and sufficient conditions under which a 3-aircraft free flight MILP-based scheme guarantees safety of flight are provided.