WP1 has performed activities to reach the first validation (11/2018) and to prepare the 2nd validation scheduled in 5/2019. Two OSED iterations have been produced, as well as Initial Technical Specifications. Several meetings and workshops on safety, human performance and concepts have taken place. The scope of the WP has been revised to reflect the actual status of MSP operations. The first validation results show a positive interest from the participating ATCOs to the concept in eTMA. Activity on Validation Report has started. The ENAV validation has been postponed and a new WP1 planning has been proposed.
In WP2 the concept of Flight Centric ATC has been developed and refined and validated at V1 level in workshops, Fast-Time and Real-Time simulations. An increase in controller productivity could be shown. Below FL245 an increase in fuel consumption was observed.
In WP3, anexercise has been performed by ENAIRE to test Collaborative Control with Unplanned Boundaries and different staffing configuration. It was found out the need for the MSP to get involved in the detection and resolution of risks within the whole collaborative area whereas other tactical tasks should be encompassed by the EC, without intervention from the MSP. NATS developed Collaborative Control with Planned Boundaries for a Very High Complexity TMA environment. Alignment of the 2 operating methods into a single concept was achieved and demonstrated through significant commonality of requirements. This was documented in two iterations to the SPR‐INTEROP/OSED. NATS exercise was planned to be performed in Jan. 2019.
In WP4, the first set of exercises showed, as a continuity of SESAR 1, the benefits of tactical, planner and monitoring tools in different environments (free and fixed routes, En-Route, TMA, different levels of density and complexity). It also showed the relationship between the level of accuracy of the trajectory and the efficiency of CD&R tools. The first exercise using ADS-C/EPP data also shows their potential benefits for improving CD&R and monitoring tools. The V2 data pack was delivered in Nov. and led to the V2 gate in Dec. This gate raised remaining questions on the scope and performance measurements, which will have to be solved by Feb 2019.
In WP5, DFS conducted 3 workshops to further specify the concept for the Enhanced Tactical Window (ETW). ECTL/ANS‐CR conducted 3 expert group workshops to define the concept of optimising vertical profiles through the use of non‐penalising constraints. They focussed on avionics and datalink issues and identified the available CPDLC clearance messages, the FMS behaviour and the EPP characteristics. The 2nd workshop focussed on cockpit issues such as the understanding of the clearance, potential errors and acceptability. The 3rd workshop integrated the findings from the previous 2 and then concentrated on ATC aspects. Airbus developed a solution concept on the description of the automated conflict resolution using EPP capability. Based on the concept, Workshops were conducted by Airbus focusing on various aspects of avionics, CPDLC, aircrew usability issues and ATC.
WP6 worked on integration of RPAS for IFR operations in controlled airspace. From the starting of the Project, a new dedicated operational improvement, three dedicated enablers, working methods, operational requirements and new operating methods specific for RPAS integration were developed and validated via real time simulations with human in the loop involved. Interesting result were collected from three different validation exercises. These elements were reported in the documents of V1 Datapack.
Three workshops were conducted in WP7 to help develop and refine the concept. Following this, NATS, Skyguide and LFV performed a joint validation exercise. It consisted of a two day workshop. Results showed that, without additional support, Generic controllers found it difficult to plan traffic in an expeditious, efficient and safe manner within unfamiliar sectors. Procedures, working methods, coordination and local geographical information vary greatly sector to sector. Controllers identified information needs to overcome the issues These will need further refinement and down‐selecting as the concept matures. Feedback from the VALR will be used to update the next deliverable of the OSED.