Tactical conflict detection and resolution in a 3-d airspace

This paper presents an algorithm for detection and resolution of air traffic conflicts in a 3-dimensional (3-D) airspace for two aircraft, namely ownship and intruder. A conflict is a projected incursion of the intruder aircraft within the protected zone of the ownship. A solution is a single maneuver, to be performed by the ownship, that effectively keeps the required minimum separation without cooperation of the intruder aircraft. The input to the algorithm is the state information, i.e., horizontal position, altitude, ground track, and vertical and ground speed, of both aircraft. The algorithm outputs a set of solutions. Each solution modifies only one state parameter of the ownship: ground track, ground speed, or vertical speed. The proposed algorithm is suitable for formal verification.