Incorporating optimization in strategic conflict resolution for UAS traffic management

This study presents an approach to incorporate optimisation in the strategic conflict resolution service for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management. A conventional approach in line with the First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) principle is introduced, following the generation of two types of flight plans (i.e., linear and area operations) with uncertainty buffers further taken into account. This approach is based on iteratively checking the availability of the shared airspace volumes. Next, an optimisation model is formulated, using the same common airspace representation, aiming at minimising the overall delay and deviation to the equivalent FCFS solution (i.e., fairness concern), subject to operational constraints including a time-based separation minima. Some potential implementations are also envisioned for the optimisation model under plausible operational scenarios. Finally, simulation experiments are performed where five case studies are designed, including FCFS and optimisation, as well as their hybrid and batch uses depending on the flight plan submission time. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the impact of some specific model assumptions. Results suggest that, compared to FCFS, a notable delay reduction can be achieved with optimisation incorporated, which is due to the FCFS prioritisation scheme that is often not efficient.