Modeling framework for analyzing midair encounters in hybrid airspace where manned and unmanned aircraft coexist

The integration of unmanned aircraft system into nonsegregated airspace raises safety concerns of midair encounters in the hybrid airspace where manned and unmanned aircraft coexist. This paper aims at developing a new modeling framework with improved modeling capability and feasibility for analyzing the midair encounters in hybrid airspace. This modeling framework includes models of different components (airspace, human pilot, manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, etc.) involved in midair encounters. As a key component, human pilot is modeled to contain different information processing stages which are perception, decision making and response. Meanwhile, the modeling framework is designed to provide quantitative measures of midair encounters in hybrid airspace, and further uses “Equal Level of Safety” criterion to evaluate the validity of the integration of the unmanned aircraft system. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed modeling framework are demonstrated through simulation studies.