The TASAR Project: Launching Aviation on an Optimized Route Toward Aircraft Autonomy
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https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20200000064 2020-03-11T13:42:39+00:00Z NASA/TP–2019-220432 The TASAR Project: Launching Aviation on an Optimized Route Toward Aircraft Autonomy David J. Wing Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia December 2019 NASA STI Program . in Profile Since its founding, NASA has been dedicated to the • CONFERENCE PUBLICATION. advancement of aeronautics and space science. The Collected papers from scientific and technical NASA scientific and technical information (STI) conferences, symposia, seminars, or other program plays a key part in helping NASA maintain meetings sponsored or co-sponsored by NASA. this important role. • SPECIAL PUBLICATION. Scientific, The NASA STI program operates under the auspices technical, or historical information from NASA of the Agency Chief Information Officer. It collects, programs, projects, and missions, often organizes, provides for archiving, and disseminates concerned with subjects having substantial NASA’s STI. 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NASA/TP–2019-220432 The TASAR Project: Launching Aviation on an Optimized Route Toward Aircraft Autonomy David J. Wing Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center Hampton, Virginia 23681-2199 December 2019 The use of trademarks or names of manufacturers in this report is for accurate reporting and does not constitute an official endorsement, either expressed or implied, of such products or manufacturers by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Available from: NASA STI Program / Mail Stop 148 NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA 23681-2199 Fax: 757-864-6500 Abstract The Traffic Aware Strategic Aircrew Request (TASAR) concept applies onboard automation for the purpose of advising the pilot of route modifications that would be beneficial to the flight. Leveraging onboard computing platforms with connectivity to avionics and diverse data sources on and off the aircraft, TASAR introduces a new, powerful capability for in-flight trajectory management to the cockpit and its flight crew that is anticipated to induce a significant culture change in airspace operations. Flight crews empowered by TASAR and its derivative technologies could transform from today’s flight plan followers to proactive trajectory managers, taking an initial critical step towards increasing autonomy in the airspace system. TASAR was developed as a catalyst for operational autonomy, a future vision where the responsibilities and authorities of trajectory management reside with the aircraft operator and are distributed among participating aircraft, thus fulfilling a vision dating back decades and enabling a fully scalable airspace system. This NASA Technical Paper maps TASAR to its foundational vision and traces its research and development from initial concept generation to an operational evaluation by a U.S. airline in revenue service, the final stage before technology transfer and commercialization. i Acknowledgements The TASAR project was an extensive, multi-disciplinary, multi-organizational activity and achievement that required a substantial team effort to be successful. The author expresses deepest thanks to all who were involved at various points along the project timeline, including the following individuals, contracts, and external organizations: NASA TASAR Team: Nash’at Ahmad, Kate Ballard, Terique Barney, Bill Buck, Kelly Burke, Andy Carnell, Stephanie Harrison, Tim Lewis, Anna Noe, Matt Underwood, Sara Wilson NASA TASAR Support: Keith Arthur, Mark Ballin, Brian Baxley, Elaine Blount, Sheri Brown, Tony Busquets, Bill Cann, Jordan Davis, Robin Edwards, Jim Fay, George Finelli, Dana Gould, Trevor Grondin, Stella Harrison, Jennifer Kibler, Bonnie Lumanog, Jesse Midgett, Mike Palmer, Jason Pullias, Carrie Rhoades, Jennifer Riley, Lisa Rippy, Ed Scearce, Steve Velotas NASA Research Announcement Contracts: Engility Corporation / Advanced Aerospace Solutions: Eric Cardon, Steve DePascale, Gabriele Enea, Mark Haynes, Jeff Henderson, Husni Idris, Ludovic Laberge, Marie-Héléne Larose, Brendan Lefebvre, John Maris, Dave Roscoe, Puthy Soupin, Tommy Thurber, Bob Vivona, Sharon Woods Rockwell Collins / University of Iowa: Michael Choi, Matt Cover, Joe Engler, Greg Fletcher, Adam Gary, Charles Goddard, Steve Koczo, Richard Miller, Chris Reuter, Tom Schnell, Michael Yocius NASA In-House Contracts: LAMPS: Nita Bond, Angela Bruce, Keshia Newsome, Whitney Rush, Pat Watson-Cumberbatch LITES: Brenda Andrews, Beau Branch, Bill Coppedge, Andres Danziger, Jim Davis, Mike Day, Steve DePascale, Randy Dye, Chris Fieldman, Jeffrey Henderson, Richard Jessop, David Karr, Joe King, Brendan Lefebvre, Michael Lewis, Ron Maddox, Richard Maine, Joe Mason, Doug Mielke, Brendan Moeller, Bill O'Neil, Joey Ponthieux, Dave Roscoe, Jonathan Starr, Jim Sturdy, Jerry Thomas, Bob Vivona, Chris Ware, Sharon Woods, Chris Wyatt NIA: Bill Cotton, Sam Grainger, Mark Haynes, Clay Hubbs, John Maris TEAMS: Tom Britton, Mike Harper, Carolyn McGee External Organizations: Air Line Pilots Association, Alaska Airlines, Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, Collins Aerospace, Eurocontrol, Gogo Commercial Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration, GE Aviation, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, The Boeing Company, Virgin America ii Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. ii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... iii List of Figures .................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... v 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1 2. Motivation ................................................................................................................... 3 3. Concept Description .................................................................................................... 8 4. Project Approach ....................................................................................................... 11 5. Benefits Assessment .................................................................................................. 16 6. Safety Assessment ..................................................................................................... 25 7. Authorization Assessment ......................................................................................... 30 8. Market Assessment .................................................................................................... 35 9. Technology Prototype ............................................................................................... 44 10. Human Factors Assessment ....................................................................................... 57 11. Flight Trials ............................................................................................................... 70 12. Operational Evaluation ............................................................................................ 106 13. Technology Transfer and Beyond ........................................................................... 134 14. Conclusion ..............................................................................................................