Multi-Agent Software for Airspace Control in the Combat Zone

AGENTFLY software is part of a computer-based system technology that will enhance airspace operation, providing ever-increasing support to personnel without freeing them from the ultimate responsibility. AGENTFLY features distributed coordination mechanisms based on collective decision-making and knowledge sharing, agent architecture, and specific agents responsible for data collection/ updating and planning/scheduling tasks, and the required visualization technology.

A multi-agent system, AGENTFLY offers the following features:

1. Mathematical modeling of the “big picture” in the functional domain, spatial domain, and time domain, utilizing various practical aspects of the air operation planning process such as types of manned and unmanned air vehicles and their unclassified characteristics, types of hazards, types of targets, existing practices, and safety considerations.
2. Numerical solution of the particular subsets of the airspace control problem and coordination of local, independently obtained solutions, resulting in conflict-free, long-term and short-term plans and schedules.
3. Continuous data acquisition addressing the dynamics of the battlefield, status of the aircraft, and weather, facilitating the ongoing, iterative solution process driven by continuously updated databases.
4. Implementation of the physical realities of the problem in the individual software agents capable of negotiation leading to a numerical solution of the planning, conflict resolution, and execution tasks.
5. Incorporation of a system that is flexible, capable of ongoing incorporation of human expertise presented in formalized and intuitive fashion, and upgradeable by inclusion of new rules, considerations, and conditions.
6. The resultant system offers advanced visualization and utilizes advanced graphics and graphic interfaces, making it user friendly.

Successful completion of this project prompted a study of the relevance and applicability of the developed technology to FAA plans that include further development of computer support systems for air traffic controllers.

This work was done by Victor A. Skormin of Advanced Technical Concepts for the Air Force Research Laboratory. AFRL-0129

This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).

Multi-Agent Technology For Airspace Control In The Combat Zone (reference AFRL-0129) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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