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Advanced Automation System (AAS) Transition
Strategy
Digital Equipment Corportation 1957
to 1978
PROJECT 12: Advanced Automation System (AAS)
Purpose: The advanced automation system will provide a new automation system that includes improved controller workstations, computer software, and processors. The advanced automation system will provide: the capacity to handle the projected traffic load through the 1990s and beyond; the capability to perform the new functions to be introduced into the ATC system through the 1990s; increased productivity through introduction of new sector suites; a high degree of reliability and availability; and the capability for enhancement to perform other functions subsequently introduced into the system.
Approach: The advanced automation system design is essentially complete. It was designed through a top down, evolutionary, total system approach that paralleled the host computer development and deployment. Controller sector suites will consist of common consoles used for both en route and terminal functions. They will incorporate an improved man-machine interface, including the use of color displays and electronic presentation of flight data to enhance controller productivity. The advanced automation system will make possible the full integration of en route and terminal operations in the area control facilities.
Transition to the AAS will consist of five steps: 1) implementation of the Peripheral Adapter Module Replacement Item (PAMRI) and Coded Time Source (CTS); 2) implementation of the initial sector suite system (ISSS) to provide new controller work stations; 3) implementation of terminal advanced automation (TAA) functions using AAS hardware and software; 4) implementation of tower control computer complexes (TCCC); and 5) implementation of Area Control Computer Complex (ACCC) for the remaining AAS en route functions.
Step one, implementation of the PAMRI and the concurrent implementation of the CTS will be completed prior to ISSS equipment delivery. The PAMRI includes replacement of the PAM, Data Receiving Group (DRG) and radar multiplexor (RMCX) equipment. This will provide an enhanced ability to interface with additional radars, and will provide a capability for use of higher data transmission rates for radar site interfaces.
In the second step, the initial sector suites will be installed in en route facilities served by the host computers. Installation requires a sterile environment previously provided by the expansion of ARTCC buildings to accommodate the host computer and by reclaiming a part of the existing control room. After transition to the initial sector suite system, the old control room will be refurbished to accommodate additional sector suites necessary for terminal consolidation.
The third step will be implementation of the TAA for TRACON functions. AAS processors and additional sector suites will be introduced. Software functions required to process terminal radar inputs and provide arrival and departure control of terminal traffic will be implemented.
The fourth step will be the installation of TCCCs in selected airport traffic control towers. TCCCs will be installed over an extended period, beginning when arrival/departure control is provided by TAAs.
The fifth step in the evolution to full AAS is the addition of software to perform en route functions in ACFs. Additional sector suites will be installed to enable conversion of ARTCCs into ACFs. The hardware/software associated with this step will be referred to as the area control computer complex (ACCC).
In FY 84, two design competition contracts were awarded. The acquisition phase contract was awarded in July 1988. An incremental production commitment for each of the above steps will be made only upon completion of FAA acceptance and operational suitability tests at the FAA Technical Center.
Products: The scope of the AAS project includes construction and site preparation that is specifically required for the implementation of the AAS at area control facilities.
* Advanced automation system design.
* Advanced automation system software for both terminal and en route ATC operations.
* Advanced automation system computer hardware.
* ISSS (20 CONUS ARTCCs).
* TAA (at CONUS locations).
* ACCC (ACFs - including Anchorage, Honolulu, and the New York TRACON).
* TCCC (up to 258 towers).
* Support Systems at the FA ATC and the Aeronautical Center.
Related Projects/Activities: The modern ATC host computer project was the first transitional step of the advanced automation program. Past development projects provided input to the sector suite and TCCC position console designs. The AAS is the automation system for the ACFs. The VSCS and Tower Communications System projects will provide the voice switching and communications necessary for AAS implementation.
The AAS en route software will include AERA 1 functions and facilitate later implementation of AERA 2/3 functions. The DARC enhancements are required in CONUS ARTCCs for the transition to AAS and will be removed following AAS implementation. CWP, DLP, Mode S, Traffic Management System, TDWR and RMMS are related projects. This project will require interfacility communications service from NICS. Projects providing the required switching and transmission network service include NADIN, RML Replacement and Expansion, and Data Multiplexing.