**Target Generation Facility (TGF)**

**ACB-860 Simulation Group**

**Project Summary**

**Fiscal Year 2004**

**Dan Warburton**

> November 30, 2004

# Table of Contents

Table of Contents [2](#table-of-contents)

TGF Project Summary FY 2004 [2](#tgf-project-summary-fy-2004)

Executive Summary [2](#executive-summary)

Section 1 -- Simulation Projects Supported
[3](#section-1-simulation-projects-supported)

1.1 Simulation: Required Navigational Performance (HFL)
[3](#simulation-required-navigational-performance-hfl)

1.2 Simulation: Tracon Controller Weather Information Needs - WIDS (HFL)
[4](#simulation-tracon-controller-weather-information-needs---wids-hfl)

1.3 Simulation: TMA_2 (HFL) [4](#simulation-tma_2-hfl)

1.4 Simulation: Domestic Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (DRVSM)
[5](#simulation-domestic-reduced-vertical-separation-minima-drvsm)

1.5 Simulation: STARS - FMA [6](#simulation-stars---fma)

1.6 Simulation: STARS -- Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System
[8](#simulation-stars-standard-terminal-automation-replacement-system)

1.7 Simulation: SATS (Small Airport Transportation System)
[9](#simulation-sats-small-airport-transportation-system)

1.8 Simulation: Free Flight Technology Integration Laboratory (FFTIL)
[9](#simulation-free-flight-technology-integration-laboratory-fftil)

Section 2 -- Technical Summary [10](#section-2-technical-summary)

2.1 JAVA-Based simulator in full service
[10](#java-based-simulator-in-full-service)

2.2 Addition of an RNAV approach model.
[10](#addition-of-an-rnav-approach-model.)

2.3 Simpilot workstation JAVA -- Based
[10](#simpilot-workstation-java-based)

2.4 Improved approach logic thru the appch command.
[10](#improved-approach-logic-thru-the-appch-command.)

2.5 TGF Network Infrastructure refreshed
[10](#tgf-network-infrastructure-refreshed)

2.6 Pilot workstation Hardware refresh
[10](#pilot-workstation-hardware-refresh)

TGF Acronyms and Abbreviations [11](#tgf-acronyms-and-abbreviations)

TGF Airports and Centers [13](#tgf-airports-and-centers)

# TGF Project Summary FY 2004

# 

## Executive Summary

The Target Generation Facility (TGF) completed another successful
simulation year. All simulations were provided on-time and met or
exceeded customer expectations. In addition to completing these
simulations many enhancements were added to the Target Generation
Facility\'s infrastructure including aircraft dynamics model (ADM)
enhancements, simulation pilot workstation hardware and software
improvements and the TGF network infrastructure.

This year the TGF office cubical's were refreshed.

.

## Section 1 -- Simulation Projects Supported

This section summarizes the simulation efforts supported by the Target
Generation Facility during the fiscal year.

### 1.1 Simulation: Required Navigational Performance (HFL)

Simulation Dates: October 2003 -- December 2004,

Program Office: ATP 500

Contacts: Jeff Williams, ATP 500

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

The purpose of this simulation was to identify the possibility of
utilizing the ASR9 display to identify blunder aircraft during a
simultaneous instrument approach operation.

The airspace adapted for the simulation was Northern California Tracon,
Sector B (San Francisco Arrival).

The airspace simulated in this project was Northern California Tracon,
Sector B (San Francisco Arrival).

### 1.2 Simulation: Tracon Controller Weather Information Needs - WIDS (HFL)

Simulation Dates: December 2003 -- October, 2004

Program Office: AAR100

Contacts: Dino Piccione

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

This simulation was run to identify controller needs for displayed
weather information.

The airspace used in the project was the HFL's Genera Tracon. TGF
adapted the sim-pilot workstation displays to display weather in
conjunction with simulation events.

### 1.3 Simulation: TMA_2 (HFL)

Simulation Dates: August 2004 -- November 2004

Program Office: Air Traffic Organization -- En Route (ATO-E)

Contacts: Rob Williams AOZ 500

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

This simulation was run to evaluate location and format of TMA data on
the ATC display. The airspace used in this project was the HFL's Genera
Center, Sector 08.

### 1.4 Simulation: Domestic Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (DRVSM)

Simulation Dates: February 9, 2004 -- March 25, 2004

Program Office: ATP-6 Domestic Reduced Vertical Separation Minima
(DRVSM)

Contacts: Steve Creamer ATP-6 Domestic Reduced Separation Minima

> Jerry Hadley ACB-330

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

This simulation of the Indianapolis Center is a continuation of the
DRVSM 2 study. The study continues to focus on the FL290 -- FL410
altitude band to compare the various approaches to implementation. A
further goal for this study was to determine the effect of non-RVSM
equipped aircraft. This en route simulation involved four sectors of
Indianapolis Center: 87, 88, 97, and 98. The DRVSM procedure is
scheduled for activation in late 2004 to early 2005 time frame and TGF
provides an excellent environment in which the controller's workload can
be evaluated.

### 1.5 Simulation: STARS - FMA

Simulation Dates: March 23-25th, 2004 (Interim)

> March 29 -- April, 1 (PHL)

Program Office: STARS ATO-T

Contacts: Leroy H. Harnett ATO-T (ATB232B)

FMA AT Test Lead

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

This simulation required the adaptation of the Denver TRACON and the
re-use of the PHL TRACON originally adapted for the Full Service 1 build
of the STARS system.

The Interim simulation was run in the Denver TRACON and the native
simulation was run in the PHL TRACON.

The PHL scenarios made use of eight sectors:

[Sector]{.underline} [Frequency]{.underline} [Sector]{.underline}
[Frequency]{.underline}

SA 126.600 Y 123.800

FV 125.400 SD 119.750

NA 128.400 ND 124.350

W 127.350 PHL Tower 118.500

The scenarios ranged in size from 39 to 179 flight plans. Each one was
designed to exercise a specific aspect of the STARS FS1 system. These
scenarios were all designed to last approximately 1 hour. The
simulations required 11 -- 14 simpilots to fly the 8 sectors. Each
simulation had the PHL ASR9 radar configured.

The Denver simulation made use of 10 sector with working names as
follows:

[Sector]{.underline} [Frequency]{.underline} [Sector]{.underline}
[Frequency]{.underline}

Final Radar One 123.850 Local Control One 124.300

Final Radar Two 120.800 Local Control Two 133.300

Final Radar Three 125.750 Local Control Three 132.350

Arrival Radar One 120.350 Local Control Four 145.300

Arrival Radar Two 119.300

Arrival Radar Three 124.950

There were two scenarios. One North flow and one South flow. The South
flow scenario contained 123 flights and was designed to last 1 hour, the
North flow scenario also was designed to run 1 hour but had 63 flights
total.

### 1.6 Simulation: STARS -- Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System 

###  

Simulation Dates August 12, 2004

Program Office: ATO-T STARS

Contacts: David Cognata ATO-T Sr. Air Traffic Control Specialist

609-485-9198

Gary Miller ATO-T STARS

609-485-7175

Ed Gaguski ATO-T STARS

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

This simulation of PHL TRACON was performed to exercise the FS2 LCM
Release 8.

It will re-use all of the previously built scenarios

### 1.7 Simulation: SATS (Small Airport Transportation System)

Simulation Dates: October, November, December, 2004

Program Office: NASA Langley Research Center SATS-HVO

> (Higher Volume Operations)

Contacts: Brian Baxley Level 3 Project Manager

SATS HVO

\(757\) 864-7317

[Simulation Summary]{.underline}

This simulation is a joint project between NASA Langley Research Center
and the FAA.

The project's purpose is to evaluate controller workload and procedures
for an SCA (Self-Controlled Area) around a non-towered airport, as part
of the SATS HVO program.

The TGF integrated NASA's AMM (Airport Management Module) software into
the simulator providing the same sequencing messages to the simulated
flights as they would in the field. Both types of air traffic
environment (Center and TRACON) were studied, specifically, Washington
Center ZDC -- Danville Airport and PHL TRACON -- Chester County Airport
40N. A third study utilizing NASA's desktop cockpit simulators was
conducted re-using the ZDC -- Danville airport scenarios. TGF integrated
the NASA desktop simulators into the simulation by establishing data and
voice over IP utilizing

Cisco routing and Telex voice equipment.

### 1.8 Simulation: Free Flight Technology Integration Laboratory (FFTIL) 

[TGF system use 2004]{.underline}

The Free Flight Technology Integration Laboratory (FFTIL) conducts
simulations to test various builds and adaptations associated with the
Center-TRACON Automation System (CTAS). This testing required the use of
TGF's RADAR & Interfacility emulators. This activity included but not
restricted to the following:

-   Non-interference testing with ARTS IIIE & A Systems

-   Functionality testing of new CTAS builds & adaptations using both
    ARTS3E ARTS3A and STARS Terminal systems.

-   Integration and functionality testing using the Host with STARS &
    the Host with ARTS.

-   Field problem resolution in support of AOS.

All of these various activities were completed without delay due to the
stability, dependability, and availability, of the TGF radar systems.

## Section 2 -- Technical Summary

This section summarizes the technical achievements of the TGF during the
fiscal year.

### 2.1 JAVA-Based simulator in full service

Every project this fiscal year was conducted solely with the JAVA-Based
simulator.

### 2.2 Addition of an RNAV approach model.

An extensive investigation of the aerodynamics of approach and take-off
flight was undertaken culminating in a successful addition of RNAV
approach and take-off dynamics to the ADM (Aircraft Dynamics Model).

### 2.3 Simpilot workstation JAVA -- Based 

The simpilot station software was re-written in JAVA from the previous
C/Tcl-Tk application. This provides for code sharing between the pilot
station and core dynamics as well as lowering the skills mix required to
work on the simulator code.

### 2.4 Improved approach logic thru the appch command.

TGF improved the fidelity of the approach simulation by implementing the
appch command. This command initiates logic in the Aircraft Dynamics
Model that monitors the estimated distance to touchdown. When the
distance is shortened (i.e. early turn to final) the model will begin to
shed energy/altitude/speed thru the use of Flaps/Speed Breaks and Gear
extension.

## 2.5 TGF Network Infrastructure refreshed

TGF procured and deployed a cisco 6500 router along with two cisco 4500
switches. This

Technology refresh places TGF on par with the general Technical Center
Backbone.

## 2.6 Pilot workstation Hardware refresh

TGF procured and deployed new mainboards for the pilot workstations
moving them from 700 MHz to 2.8 GHz processors. Half the lab displays
were refreshed to Viewsonic VX2000 LCD displays, the second half of the
lab will be refreshed in FY05

# TGF Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADAR ARTS Data Acquisition & Router

AGW ARTS Gateway

ARTS Automated Radar Terminal System

ATCT Air Traffic Control Tower

CAS Controller Awareness Study

CTAS Center TRACON Automation System

CHI Computer Human Interface

CPDLS Controller Pilot Data Link Communications

DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (German Simulation)

DIS Distributed Interactive Simulation

DRVSM Domestic Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum

DSR Display System Replacement

EDC Early Display Configuration

ETVS Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch

FAST Final Approach Spacing Tool

FFP Free Flight Phase

FS1, 2/2+ Full Service 1, 2/2+

GAO Government Accounting Office

GOERS GPS Outage En route Simulation

GPS Global Positioning System

HAD High Altitude Demonstration

HAT High Altitude Test

HFL Human Factors Laboratory

HLA High Level Architecture

IIF Integration and Interoperability Facility

LAAEP LA Arrival Enhancement Project

McTMA Multi-Center Traffic Management Advisor

NAS National Airspace System

NATCA National Air Traffic Controllers Association

PARR Problem Analysis Resolution and Ranking

PAS Pseudo Aircraft System

PDU Protocol Data Units

PTR Program Trouble Reports

RDHFL Research Development and Human Factors Laboratory

RNAV Area Navigation

RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum

STARS Stand Alone Terminal ARTS Replacement System

TATCA Terminal Air Traffic Control Automation

TFM Traffic Flow Management

TGF Target Generation Facility

TMA Traffic Management Advisor

TRACON Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol

URET User Request Evaluation Tool

WJHTC William J. Hughes Technical Center

XPVD X-windows Planned View Display

# TGF Airports and Centers

ADW Andrews Air Force Base

DCA Ronald Reagan International Airport

EWR Newark International Airport

Genera Generic airspace generated for HFL studies

JFK John F. Kennedy International Airport

PHL Philadelphia International Airport

ZDC Washington Center

ZID Indianapolis Center

ZJX Jacksonville Center

ZNY New York Center

ZOB Cleveland Center