Si ATCSim
-- the ATC simulator concept with a wide range of use
Si ATCSim features two main segments, the simulator segment, which is the same for all implementations, and the operational segment, which provides the trainee environment as required by individual customers. The concept allows for independent execution of parallel exercises in the same or in different airspaces.
Simulator segment
The simulator segment drives the exercise, generating input to the operational segment and acting as surrounding systems for the output. The main interfaces are
- Surveillance data in various forms
- Plot and track data in ASTERIX formats as from radar stations
- System tracks as from a multi-radar tracker
- ADS-C and ADS-B data over simulated data link
- Flight plan data in ICAO FPL or ADEXP format.
- Time is crucial for simulation. The simulator can command start, stop and rewind of exercise time.
- Meteorological systems such as ATIS and different airport sensors can be simulated. Upper winds and temperatures are provided, too.
- Coordination with adjacent FIRs can be performed verbally or with OLDI.
- Controller/pilot communication can be performed verbally or by means of CPDLC over simulated data link according to ICAO procedures
Navigation function
The navigation function generates aircraft movements based on realistic manoeuvring characteristics. It handles a rich set of navigational commands to support procedures as SIDs, STARs, landing, holding and missed approach. Such commands are combined to form intuitive pseudo-pilot manoeuvres or automatic procedures. Typical manoeuvres are those for immediate action, such as turn to direction or towards point, intercept line, accelerate/decelerate, climb/descend; those for restrictions in speed and level or assignment of runway; and those for monitoring of distance, level, position or time.
Aircraft can either be automatically simulated or navigated by pilot. Each pilot handles several aircraft and can, for each individual one, control equipment such as the transponder for set code, on/off, SPI or special condition code, the cockpit display for CPDLC and the radio. He can change the predefined route, rejoin the route, request reports on reached level, heading, point, distance, radial or time. He can also reposition a flight and perform take-off and landingExercise preparation
Each exercise is defined by an exercise plan that specifies the flights that shall be included in the exercise, when and how they shall appear, and if they shall be manually or automatically controlled. Each flight is defined in a simulated flight plan upon which both flight plan and simulated surveillance data are based.
The exercise can be fine-tuned in a special air situation window, where each flight’s timing can be adjusted in order to create the situation required. A quick exercise creation function automatically combines flights as specified by the operator.
Operational segment
Si ATM can provide operational segments on various functional levels
- For basic radar training
- For training in an environment that truly emulates a specific very advanced ATC system. The advanced functionality is inherited from operational systems and is well proven.
- A fully automated CNS/ATM environment for training or prototyping
- Anything between these levels, paperless or with paper strips.
The operational segment can also consist of customer-provided equipment or equipment provided by other vendors. In this case, Si ATMSim connects to the physical interfaces of that equipment to simulate its environment.
Integrated voice communication
Si ATMSim is equipped with voice communication facilities that automatically adapt to the running exercises. Each trainee and pseudo-pilot has access to radio frequencies and ground-to-ground communication within the exercise.
Recording and playback
For each exercise, the system provides individual data and voice recording, which can be synchronously replayed.