Welcome to the iFly Web-site

iFly is a specific targeted research project within the 6th Framework Programme FP6-2005-Aero-4 (Priority 1.3.1.4.g Aeronautics and Space), funded by the European Commission under contract number TREN/07/FP6AE/S07.71574/037180.

During recent years the ATM community research trend is to direct large airborne self separation research projects to situations of less dense airspace. Typical examples of this trend are the EC research projects MFF (Mediterranean Free Flight) and ASSTAR (Advanced Safe Separation Technologies and Algorithms). This trend is remarkable because airborne self separation was originally conceived as a potential solution for high density airspace. iFly aims to develop a

step change in this trend, through a systematic exploitation and further development of the advanced mathematical techniques that have emerged within the HYBRIDGE project of EC's 5th Framework Programme.


Currently, two schools of researchers exist. Researchers of one school believe that airborne self-separation can safely accommodate traffic levels much greater than current en-route traffic. Researchers of the other school believe that airborne self-separation cannot work safely for high density airspace. Both schools concur that for airspace having sufficiently low traffic densities, airborne self-separation may be safe. From a research perspective this calls for a study which evaluates up to which traffic levels airborne self-separation is safe. This is exactly the key aim of the iFly project. For en-route traffic, iFly has the objective to develop an advanced airborne self separation design together with a vision how the well-equipped aircraft can be integrated within SESAR concept thinking. The goal is to accommodate a three to six times increase in current en-route traffic levels. This incorporates analysis of safety, complexity and pilot/controller responsibilities and assessment of ground and airborne system requirements and which make part of an overall validation plan. The proposed iFly research combines expertise in air transport human factors, safety and economics with analytical and Monte Carlo simulation methodologies providing for "implementation" decision-making, standardisation and regulatory frameworks.


The contents of this site reflects the authors views; the Community is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

For more information on iFly click one of the following links or use the navigation buttons on the top of the screen:

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© National Aerospace Laboratory NLR 2007-2011. Created: 13 July 2007. Last updated: 14 September 2012.