Application of Fast-time Simulation Techniques to the Study of ATC Systems

Abstract

This paper reviews the techniques open to the study of air traffic control systems and, in particular, the feasibility of fast-time simulation methods. The peculiarities of an ATC system and the difficulties of representing it by a logical element are discussed. A description is, nevertheless, given on the progress which has been made in the development of the so-called ‘ Ground ’ model, a fast-time simulation which, although still in its infancy, is expected to evolve very soon into an efficient tool for the study and comparison of various ATC systems and organisations.