A microcomputer-based airspace control simulation and prototype human-machine interface

ATALARS (automated tactical aircraft launch and recovery system) is a concept for a fully automated air traffic management system intended for post-2000 military service. Part of the ATALARS concept development effort currently being conducted is directed at defining the role of automation in air traffic control and at resolving human-automation interface issues. To evaluate these issues, a microcomputer-based demonstration of post-2000 airspace control automation, called ACES (ATALARS concept evaluation simulation), was developed. ACES runs on an 80286/80386 platform and integrates the airspace simulation, automation algorithms, and the human-machine interface. The simulation is an object-oriented simulation written in conventional high-level language (Pascal) in order to get the faster real-time performance required for ACES. The automation algorithms are a combination of computations and rule-based expert system decisions also written in Pascal. The human-machine interface is a prototype of a possible airspace manager or air traffic controller workstation