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2.1 FutureFlight CentralA new research facility dedicated to countering potential air and runway traffic problems at commercial airports was opened at a dedication ceremony at NASA Ames Research Center December 13, 1999. Called FutureFlight Central, this unique, full mission, real-time simulator will be used to validate future airport surface and air traffic control tower technologies and airport procedural and physical modifications. By studying new tools and plans in simulation, FutureFlight Central will enable optimized, cost-effective solutions to airport surface capacity and safety problems into the 21st century. Several key features combine to create a realistic operational environment. High-resolution graphics powered by a state-of-the-art image generation supercomputer provide a visual scene of unprecedented realism. The system is capable of smooth animation of up to 200 simultaneously moving models; it incorporates shadow effects, photographic quality texture mapping, and three-dimensional objects. The images are presented on twelve screens, joined seamlessly to form a full 360-degree view. FutureFlight Central is reconfigurable to replicate any airport using site-specific visual models, custom-designed traffic scenarios, simulated telephone and radio communications, and tower layout.
FutureFlight Central will make possible in-depth studies using human participants as air traffic controllers, flight data/clearance delivery personnel, traffic management coordinators, tower cab coordinators, supervisors, ramp controllers, pseudo-pilots, and airport operators in a real-time, interactive, operational airport environment. These studies in benefit validation, pre-deployment site adaptation and human factors assessments will result in a reduction of cost and associated risks of new technologies. As an airport planning tool, FutureFlight Central will be invaluable for evaluating airport expansion designs against current and future traffic loads. Ground procedures can be tested under nominal as well as adverse weather or emergency conditions to assure that they are ready for implementation. Benefit analyses will be possible before costly investment is made, through quantitatively assessing, in simulation, the impact of new configurations and technologies using realistic traffic levels. According to Air Traffic Management Magazine, Nov/Dec 1998, "NASA's FutureFlight Central stands a clear chance to solve the most pressing capacity problems facing 21st century airports and is one of the most powerful simulators in the world."
NASA POC:
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NASA Headquarters Responsible Official: Code R
Curator: SAIC Information Services http://www.aerospace.nasa.gov |
