A Raytheon-led team will further enhance the system-wide modelling and simulation capability of Nasa’s airspace concepts evaluation system (ACES).

The ACES is a computer simulation tool for analysing local, regional and nationwide factors affecting the aircraft operation dynamics such as gate departures, flight paths, landings and gate arrivals.

Through the simulation tool, air traffic management concepts for next-generation transportation systems (NextGen) can be identified and tested.

The models will support Nasa and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to understand tools and concepts needed to support the impacts of NextGen on the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA plans to modernise the NAS through NextGen by implementing new performance-based navigation routes and procedures by 2025.

The $29.1m contract has been awarded to the Raytheon team which includes Intelligent Automation, Sensis Corporation, Mosaic ATM, Aerospace Computing and PDA Associates.