Selecting conflict resolution maneuvers based on minimum fuel burn

The effects of selecting conflict resolution maneuvers based on minimum delay are compared to resolution selection based on minimum fuel burn. The algorithm used in this study is designed to support an automated separation assurance capability for next generation air traffic management systems. The algorithm resolves detected conflicts that are projected to be between three and twenty minutes prior to loss of separation. A total of nine fast-time simulations were conducted, each representing thirty six hours of traffic on a "low weather," high volume day with mixed aircraft types, flight phases and conflict geometries. The test matrix varied airspace region and resolution selection criteria. System-wide effects such as the number of conflicts, fuel burn, delay, and maneuver type are analyzed and compared to the same metrics when maneuvers are selected based on delay. When selecting resolutions based on fuel burn, the cumulative fuel burn of the system decreases by 27% and the delay increases by 25% when compared to resolutions selected based on minimum delay. Results indicate that speed maneuvers are the most efficient when selecting resolutions based on minimum fuel burn. Horizontal and vertical maneuvers were executed with similar frequency when comparing delay and fuel burn.