Quantification of airspace sector capacity using decentralized conflict resolution procedures

This article quantifies the maximum capacity of fixed-altitude airspace sectors and develops conflict resolution algorithms to achieve this capacity using constant-speed heading-change maneuvers. The proposed conflict resolution algorithms are decentralized and can be used for sectors with multiple intersections. We show that the acceptable output-flow-rate determines the capacity of the sector; automation procedures (for conflict resolution) can be designed to achieve this sector capacity.