Development of optimal vertiport airspace and approach control model for urban air mobility

Abstract

Recently, there are active discussions around the world surrounding the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) as a new alternative to solving urban traffic. For the successful implementation of the UAM, there needs to be a focus on the development of not only aircraft that is capable of vertical take-off and landing but also the establishment of infrastructure and systems such as air space, management strategies, etc. In particular, for the safe and efficient operation of the UAM, approach control surrounding the vertiport is very important. This study suggests an airspace blueprint for the successful operation of the vertiport and developed a relevant air traffic control model compatible with the proposed airspace. In accordance with this model, an airspace concept has been proposed to reflect the characteristics of vertical take-off and landing aircraft, as well as an algorithm for identifying the optimal airspace design. Furthermore, genetic algorithms were utilized in order to optimize the scheduling of the three scheduling strategies, and a suitable scheduling strategy for the UAM was proposed by comparing the simulation results. To develop an optimal control model, three approach control models were presented, and the simulation results of each model were compared in terms of punctuality and airspace safety. In terms of punctuality, the SBA model, which can freely adjust the landing order of arriving aircraft, showed the best results. Whereas in terms of airspace safety, the BQA model, which minimizes movement and moves along a given path, showed the best results. Furthermore, a new model created based on the BQA that allows a more free adjustment of the landing order called the BBQA model has been introduced. This model showed that it can secure remarkable airspace safety while improving punctuality. The vertiport airspace blueprint concept and approach control model being proposed in this study are expected to play an important role in future studies in the area of air traffic management in the UAM.