Aeronautics

NAMS supports NASA in conducting air traffic management (ATM) research and development to help achieve the NextGen Air Transportation System.  NAMS tasks support NextGen tools being developed by Aviation Systems division for supporting ATD-2, ATD-3 (DWR, DRAW), Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), Unmanned Aerial System in the National Airspace System (UAS in the NAS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Traffic Management (UTM) projects. Most of this development will be accomplished using a combination of existing tools such as CTAS, FACET or ACES, and new tools such as the Shadow Mode Assessment using Realistic Technologies for NAS (SMART-NAS) testbed, that is currently being developed.
 

The ultimate goals behind these research and development activities under NAMS are:

1. Improve the safety, capacity and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS)
2. Reduce the environmental impact of air transportation operations
3. Increased autonomy towards aircraft and airspace operation

Aerospace Systems tasks encompass the following focus areas:

1. Air Traffic Management Software Development
2. Air Traffic Management NTX Research Station
3. Air Traffic Management Software V&V, Release, and IT Support
4. Air Traffic Management Automation Concepts in Aerospace Systems
5. Air Traffic Management Fundamental Research
6. Integration of Unmanned Air traffic Systems in the National Air Space (UAS in the NAS)
7. Unmanned aerial vehicle Traffic Management (UTM)

Our researchers are creating and testing concepts that will enable the NAS to safely and efficiently meet projected increases in the demand and complexity of today’s and tomorrow’s commercial air traffic, as well as accommodate novel new aircraft and flying vehicles. This research requires the integration of information technology, and the possible benefits of other technologies are also being explored. Work in this area is expected to grow to meet the needs of the National Airspace System.

Images courtesy of NASA.

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