Assessment of navigation errors on airborne state-based conflict resolution

This paper focuses on the influence of navigation errors on state-based conflict resolution. Two well-established resolution manoeuvre classes have been investigated: the first one involves a turning point manoeuvre and has been selected as far as it minimizes the number of resolution manoeuvre stages and may be achieved through the autopilot lateral mode; the second one involves an offset manoeuvre and has been retained as far as it may be compatible with flight management system (FMS) functionality. The main throughput of the paper is the analysis of the sensitivity of the two resolution manoeuvre classes to navigation errors. The assessment is conducted through a set of radar encounters which have been modified and simulated by means of a point mass based aircraft dynamic model incorporating autopilot and navigation functionalities. This paper is an output of the AS STAR (advanced safe separation technologies and algorithms) project, sponsored by the European Commission within the 6th Framework Programme.