Uncertainty-Aware Conflict Detection Against Operator-Conditioned Weather Hazards
TL;DR
A novel framework for uncertainty-conditioned trajectory prediction combined with polyhedra hazard representation for pre-flight conflict detection and an operator-conditioned classification scheme that transforms gridded environmental data into three-dimensional polyhedra volumes with intensity-based stratification are presented.
Abstract
Strategic flight plan validation in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) environments requires robust methods for predicting aircraft state uncertainty and detecting potential conflicts with dynamic airspace hazards. This paper presents a novel framework for uncertainty-conditioned trajectory prediction combined with polyhedra hazard representation for pre-flight conflict detection. We introduce a closed-form uncertainty estimation method that couples non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve fitting for kinematic trajectory generation with a Kalman Filter for state covariance propagation. Drawing from the Light Propagation Algorithm (LPA) paradigm, we employ a sigmoid-blended measurement noise model that captures the uncertainty reduction behavior of flight management systems approaching the required time of arrival (RTA) for waypoints. The resulting temporal uncertainty bounds are derived through a velocity-to-time variance transformation, enabling probabilistic assessment of arrival time deviations along the flight path. For hazard representation, we develop an operator-conditioned classification scheme that transforms gridded environmental data, specifically weather phenomena, into three-dimensional polyhedra volumes with intensity-based stratification. These hazard polyhedra incorporate aircraft-specific safety buffers computed from vehicle performance characteristics. Conflict detection is performed through mesh intersection algorithms operating on the spatial uncertainty tube surrounding the mean trajectory against the hazard polyhedra and temporal overlap. The framework enables the continuous strategic validation of flight plans throughout the pre-flight planning time horizon as environmental conditions evolve.