Book Description

The capability of the ARTS IIIA to support future air traffic growth and functional enhancements through 1990 is examined. The approach used is to investigate a few high traffic density sites which are representative of the three current terminal system configurations: single sensor sites (Detroit); dual sensor sites (Chicago, Los Angeles); and Metroplexes (New York). Loading factors are determined for each model site. These factors include the number and type of sensors and displays, the instantaneous traffic counts, and functional capability. The loading parameters are then used as inputs to a processing model, developed in this study, in order to determine if the ARTS IIIA can provide adequate processing capacity. The loading parameters are also used to develop estimates of memory requirements. The results of the study indicate that processing capacity limitations, if not overcome, will likely constrain functional growth at Metroplex facilities but will present no problems for single and dual sensor sites. Current memory capacity limitations are shown to present significant problems for both Metroplexes and dual sensors sites.