Virtual and Remote Control Tower: Research, Design, Development, Validation, and Implementation

This book presents the interdisciplinary and international "Virtual and Remote Tower" research and development work, which aims to replace the conventional aerodrome control tower by a new "Remote Tower Operation" (RTO) work environment. The revolutionary human-system interface replaces the out-of-windows view by an augmented vision video panorama, enabling remote aerodrome traffic control without a physical tower building. The second extended edition includes further important aspects of the international follow-up work towards the RTO-deployment, focusing on MRTO, workload, implementation, and standardization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 611 pages
Publication date: 02 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the "Virtual and Remote Tower" research and development work, which has been ongoing for nearly two decades. The primary objective of this endeavor is to replace the traditional aerodrome control tower with a new "Remote Tower Operation" (RTO) work environment, aimed at enhancing work efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The revolutionary human-system interface replaces the traditional out-of-windows view with an augmented vision video panorama, enabling remote aerodrome traffic control without the need for a physical tower building. This innovative approach facilitates the establishment of multiple remote control centers (MRTOs or RTCs) that can operate from a central location, serving multiple airports.

The first edition of this book, published in 2016, covered a wide range of topics, including preconditions, basic research, prototype development, initial validation experiments, and field testing. Co-edited and co-authored by Dr. Anne Papenfuss and Jörn Jakobi, members of the DLR RTO team, the second extended edition has nearly doubled the number of chapters, incorporating further important aspects of the international follow-up work toward RTO deployment.

The focus of the extension, with new contributions from ENRI/Japan and IAA/Dublin, in collaboration with Cranfield University, revolves around MRTO, workload, implementation, and standardization. Specifically, the two revised and nine new Chapters delve into the inclusion of augmented vision and virtual reality technologies, human-in-the-loop simulation for quantifying workload and deriving minimum (technical) requirements according to standards set by the European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE), and the implementation and certification of MRTOs.

In addition to the core content, four appendices provide comprehensive overviews of optical/video design, workload measures, and advanced psychophysical data analysis.

This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the aviation industry, providing insights into the latest developments and advancements in remote tower operations. It contributes to the ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control systems and improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Weight: 1124g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030936495
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2022