+ Visit NASA.gov + Contact NASA Find it at NASA
	+ Home Search Aviation Systems		Aviation Systems Division (AF) The Aviation Systems Division conducts research and development in two primary areas: air traffic management, and high-fidelity flight simulation. For air traffic management, researchers are creating and testing concepts to allow for up to three times today's level of aircraft in the national airspace. Automation and its attendant safety consequences are key foundations of the concept development. Historically, the division has developed products that have subsequently been implemented for the flying public, such as the Traffic Management Advisor, which is being deployed nationwide. For high-fidelity flight simulation, the division operates the world's largest flight simulator (the Vertical Motion Simulator), a Level-D 747-400 simulator, and a panoramic air traffic control tower simulator. These simulators have been used for a variety of purposes including continued training for Space Shuttle pilots, development of future spacecraft handling qualities, helicopter control system testing, Joint Strike Fighter evaluations, and accident investigations. Personnel in the division have a variety of technical backgrounds, including guidance and control, flight mechanics, flight simulation, and computer science. Customers outside of NASA have included the FAA, DOD, DHS, DOT, NTSB, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. Aerospace Simulation Research and Development Branch (AFS) The AFS Branch provides simulation software and systems expertise and unique human-in-the-loop simulation facilities for aerospace research applications. The Branch operates and maintains key aerospace simulation facilities at Ames Research Center and supports research simulations by NASA, other government organizations, and industry. It provides software development services that support the agency's air traffic management research goals. The Branch also conducts research on handling qualities, human cueing, and training and simulation technologies. Systems Modeling and Optimization Branch (Code AFO) The AFO Branch researches and develops automation for facilitating resource allocation and flow management of traffic systems. These activities are supported by the branch's core competencies in modeling, dynamics, controls, parameter estimation, data mining, and optimization. Currently, these are applied to NASA's program for increasing the capacity and flexibility of the National Airspace System. Substantiating the program goals, the branch develops algorithms and concepts for traffic flow management, airspace capacity allocation, and system-wide assessment. Flight Trajectory Dynamics and Controls Branch (Code AFT) The AFT Branch conducts research on concepts and technology to improve flight trajectories and increase airspace capacity while maintaining or improving safety in the nation's air traffic management system. Emphasis is on trajectory modeling and separation assurance automation to achieve trajectory efficiency with safety in the presence of complex traffic, severe weather, and tactical flow constraints. The branch also conducts handling qualities research for spacecraft landing and docking trajectories. Aerospace High Density Operations Branch (AFH) The AFH Branch develops algorithms to schedule and manage air and ground vehicles in high capacity, complex environments. These algorithms require the use of precise, efficient, and safe aircraft trajectory predictions as well as surface management optimization techniques that work under all weather conditions. Currently, the main focus of the branch is to create technologies for the Next Generation Air Transportation System. To achieve this, the branch is developing and evaluating algorithms for use in human-in-the-loop decision support tools to schedule and manage aircraft in the Terminal airspace and at the airport surface. + Back to Top NASA Organizational Structure Information on Agency Leadership, Field Centers, and Mission Directorates. + View Site Ames Research Center Organizational Structure About Ames Research Center Leadership and Directorates. + View Site Ames Aeronautics Directorate Information about directorate management, divisions, and more. + View Site + Back to Top
	+ Freedom of Information Act + Budgets, Strategic Plans and Accountability Reports + NASA Web Privacy Policy and Important Notices + Accessibility Curator: NASA Official: Last Updated: July 1, 2024 + Contact Us + About This Site