BULATSA and Airbus DS Conducted a Demonstration of TESLA System under SESAR 2020 Programme

An Open Day to demonstrate the capabilities of the conflict detection and resolution system TESLA (Tactical Encounter SoLver Assistant) was held at BULATSA. The event is part of the finalization of project PJ.18 Improved Ground Trajectory Predictions Enabling Future Automation Tools, under SESAR 2020 programme, Wave 2. The development of TESLA started in 2016 with close partnership and cooperation between Airbus Defense&Space and BULATSA.

TESLA aims to improve air traffic services through a high-level automation and compliance monitoring in a pre-tactical and tactical time horizon. The system assists air traffic controllers in managing separation and providing optimal conflict-free routes and climb and descent profiles for departing, arriving, and overflying aircraft.

On the Open Day, BULATSA and Airbus DS demonstrated the project developments, presented technological and operational details, and discussed the results of the conducted TESLA validation.

Representatives of the air navigation service providers of Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, guests from EUROCONTROL, SESAR JU and the industry, including Airbus DS, Airbus Aircraft and Leonardo, got acquainted with the progress of the system in an interactive format. They observed a session demonstrating the TESLA performance through simulation of a real airspace environment and real air traffic. The Bulgarian air traffic controllers performed an exercise in which they demonstrated the resolution of numerous conflict situations in the area of Sofia Approach and Sofia Control with the help of the system. Conflict management was assisted by a combination of system trajectories and data received from the aircraft (EPP information via ADS-C). Participants had the opportunity to try out for themselves the TESLA functionalities at an additional working position. 

TESLA has a beneficial effect on the air traffic controllers’ situational awareness, workload and performance, the airspace capacity, safety and the environment.

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SESAR 2020 is a European Union programme focused 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.