An implementation of a reactive distributed air conflict resolution system

The fast growth of air traac that began during the 80's raises some questions about what future Air Traac Control (ATC) systems will need to be. A major change will probably be required within a 30 years timeframe. Fortunately, recent developments in air navigation systems provide new opportunities for eecient autonomous navigation. Several studies have been conducted in order to develop automation in ATC, based either on centralized or distributed systems. An important part of the ATC task is to avoid separation losses (which are called \connicts") between aircraft. This article presents an implementation of a reactive distributed connict resolution 1 method on a traac simulator providing a realistic traac sample. The method is described, and some results regarding its eeciency and its degradation with traac increase are given. In particular, a critical traac level appears, above which eeciency drops dramatically. This level depends on the method used, the airspace itself is not saturated.