Number of conflicts at the route intersection – minimum distance model

Abstract

A conflict is an infringement of minimum separation between at least two aircraft. The model is based on these assumptions: aircraft fly on level straight line routes, only an infringement of the lateral separation is considered, deviations are excluded, aircraft at the same flight level fly the same average speed, and aircraft fly towards an intersection and may change direction after intersection. Hence, conflicts mainly occur owing to a loss of minimum separation between aircraft flying at the same flight level. Calculation of average number of potential conflicts is designated for long time interval; hence, aircraft velocity deviations are negligible. The mathematical model in this paper is intended to compare different alternatives of intersection configuration of air traffic services routes. The comparison is based on the results: an average number of potential conflicts per hour on intersection of routes, index of conflicts intensity, and intersection capacity.

Keyword : intersection, configuration, aircraft conflicts, horizontal separation, protected zone