Airbus Defence & Space and BULATSA tested the jointly developed functionalities of the prototype TESLA

BULATSA hosted a meeting with representatives of Airbus Defence & Space to test functionalities of the prototype TESLA (Tactical Encounter SoLver Assistant). The activities are performed as part of project PJ.18 (PJ.18 PROSA Controller Tools and Team Organization for the Provision of Separation in the Air Traffic Management), Wave 2 under SESAR 2020 programme.

The TESLA prototype was developed by Airbus D&S, with the assistance and operational expertise of BULATSA. TESLA should provide Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) with automated means of detecting and preventing conflicts between aircraft, increasing capacity and assisting the traffic management.

During the test sessions was installed up-to-date TESLA software and BULATSA ATCOs together with operational experts from both sides monitored the behavior of the functionalities of the prototype developed so far, through Air Traffic Management (ATM) simulation. The sessions were conducted in a test platform, specially equipped with workstations for ATCOs and pseudo-pilots – BULATSA Innovation Grid. The purpose was to identify areas for improvement and to find solutions with high added value, as well as to analyze the system interface. Various elements of TESLA were reviewed – in the context of safety, capacity, human factor, flight efficiency and environment.

“The thorough expertise of BULATSA colleagues helps Airbus D&S develop safe and sustainable future air traffic management systems. The strong and fruitful cooperation between the Bulgarian and French colleagues strengthens the connection between the teams and their effective work. SESAR programme connects the professionals.” said Andrian Nazaroi, Director ATM Products and Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Airbus D&S.

The test sessions facilitate the preparation for the upcoming validation of the new functionalities under SESAR 2020 PJ.18, before they are ready for implementation in an existing operational system.

“The conducted tests proved the progress in the jointly developed functionalities. BULATSA highly appreciates the years of joint work with the Airbus D&S team to help its French colleagues develop their innovative ideas and technologies for the future ATM systems” confirmed Valentin Vitekov, ATCO and PJ.18 Project Manager for BULATSA.

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SESAR 2020 is a program of the European Union that focuses on the development and validation of technological solutions in the field of air traffic management. It is funded by the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.