AsianScientist (Aug. 25, 2015) – As part of Nanyang Technological University’s new Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI), an air traffic control tower simulator and a radar simulation laboratory have been launched.
NTU’s new air traffic control tower simulator is one of the most advanced and largest in the world, with an external diameter of 13 metres. Built in collaboration with NTU’s research partner, the German Aerospace Centre DLR, the tower can simulate the working environments of the Changi Control Tower cabin or that of any airport.
It provides a high resolution, 360-degree panoramic view of the aerodrome and its vicinity, simulating various weather and traffic conditions, complete with moving, 3D models of aircrafts.
Like real towers, it has six control positions operating the various work stations such as for communication, ground radar, airside situation, the arrival and departure manager, weather information system and flight plan data system.
At the new Radar Simulation Lab, new user interfaces and assistive software can be tested by radar controllers to determine the optimal layout for data and information and their effectiveness. Such optimized software will enable radar controllers to perform their tasks better, resulting in more flight capacity at an airport or in airspace while minimizing travel delay.
The lab can also perform simulations of aircraft trajectories, so as to develop more efficient aircraft holding, landing and take-off routes. It will also develop and test new air traffic management concepts and procedures, so as to maximize efficiency and streamline work processes.
Air traffic in Asia Pacific is set to triple, with passenger numbers reaching 7.3 billion by 2034, according to the latest forecast by the International Air Transport Association.
NTU Provost Professor Freddy Boey said NTU’s research will boost air traffic management science, which is urgently needed to minimize travel delay and gridlocks at airports.
“Congested air space is a problem that all airports and countries will face eventually. For example, in the last few decades, Europe and the US have developed ways to efficiently manage the massive air traffic through intensive research and development programs.”
“With these two new simulators, NTU can realistically simulate future air traffic scenarios at Changi Airport as well as other international airports, testing new solutions that could increase traffic capacity while reducing the risk of air traffic incidents.”
“Developing such innovative solutions is a multi-disciplinary effort, made possible through NTU’s expertise and synergy in mechanical and aerospace engineering and computer sciences. These solutions will be extremely beneficial to Asia, as the region seeks to harmonize its airspace,” said Boey.
Dr. Hsin Chen-Chung, Director of ATMRI, said there are currently ten research projects in the pipeline which will use the simulation tower and lab extensively.
“Ultimately, our goal at NTU is to develop innovative solutions that enable airports and airspace to improve their efficiency and handle more flights daily, thus increasing capacity; as well as improve the safety of air travel through new standard operating procedures, software and air traffic concepts.”
Occupying a floor space of 1,000 square meters (the size of 1.5 football fields) and housed at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the research institute will also provide manpower for the air traffic management industry in the region.
It will train up to 30 postgraduates and provide industry exposure to about 200 undergraduates through air traffic management-related academic projects over the next five years.
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Source: Nanyang Technological University.
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