The Test Bed allows for concept demonstrations and evaluations that have or will lead to implementation decision making in the following areas:
- Cybersecurity
- Commercial Space
- Human Factors
- International Harmonization and Interoperability
- Live Flight Demonstrations
- NAS Automation Improvements
- Trajectory Based Operations
- Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS Traffic Management Systems (UTM) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Here is an example of previous projects that have been conducted by the PMO:
Multi-Regional Trajectory Based Operation Project (MR TBO)
As the National Airspace System (NAS) and global Air Traffic Management (ATM) continue to evolve into Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), precise trajectory predictions will require enhancement and expansion of current capabilities to preserve or increase available airspace capacity and efficiency while also maintaining safety standards. TBO is an ATM initiative that enhances strategic planning under changing conditions, providing the information and capabilities to help expedite aircraft movement between origin and destination airports. Knowledge of specific information for each flight shared with stakeholders increases effective strategic planning for both Airspace Users and ANSPs. The Connected Aircraft makes this possible and is an important element of TBO, which will result in improved strategic planning with a reduction of more costly tactical changes. With this enhanced information, TBO will shift from a voice-based set of exchanges between participants to an environment primarily involving data sharing and exchange across interoperable systems supported by global data standards.
The FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) have undertaken the MR TBO project to collaborate and demonstrate TBO concepts with a live flight demonstration. The FAA, along with global partners, developed operational scenarios that align with the TBO concept and highlight operational value across the regions. The MR TBO Live Flight Demonstration took place over six days, highlighting flights between the various regions. The MR TBO team in collaboration with partners developed four scenarios for execution during the live flight demonstration event. Segment 1 operated between Seattle, Washington, to Narita, Japan, with Segment 4 operating from Bangkok, Thailand, to Seattle, Washington. Segments 2 and 3 are in collaboration among JCAB, AEROTHAI and CAAS.
