Analysis of Expandability and Modifiability of Computer Configuration Concepts for ATC. Volume I. Distributed Concept

摘要

The questions of expandability and modifiability of a 1990-era Air Traffic Control (ATC) system are addressed. Two strawman systems are described at the functional level: a Baseline System, which represents the ATC system as it might be just after the replacement of the current National Airspace System (NAS) en route computers, and a Future System, which represents what might be derived ten years later under an appropriate scenario for ATC development. A distributed processing computer configuration is postulated for the Baseline System, and processing and communications loads are calculated on the basis of traffic and parameter estimates for 1985. Expansion and modification of the Baseline System to produce the Future System designed to meet estimated 1995 loads under the supplied scenario are examined. The distributed processing concept, as considered here, was deemed generally suitable for use in the ATC system of the future.