Automated Safer Skies

 I got an idea about helicopters collision avoidance, which was extended -in my mind- to include all the aviating "objects", from balloons to (civil) jet airplains. 

The core of the idea is : 

Within a specified local range, [e.g. 3-20 km, or more], all aviating objects (helicopters, jets, balloons, etc.) would exchange data about their momentary GPS position, ALTITUDE, SPEED & DIRECTION, (& maybe -even- the intended destination).. etc. 

That inter-communication for exchanging the real-time data, would be carried out by Automated onboard Systems (not humanly). 

An onboard system, would carry out dual jobs: 

First : 

Emitting "own" real-time aviating techical information, all-around, within the specified range.

Second: 

Receiving technical data, from the nearby airplains & elaborating them, to create a comprehensive dynamic "3-D sky-model" moment by moment. 

That would help alerting pilots to avoid collision or dangerous "nearby" positios.

That intervention might even be carried out automatically, in emergency situations. 

For security reasons, Military (& other critical) airplains might be totally, or partially excluded from that system, or might use it in "one-way-direction" = meaning "only receiving, but not emitting data - or part of it". 

If this System, proves succes, it would relief much of the burden off the "Terristitial" Air-Taffic-Control-Systems' shoulders, OR at least "give hand to".

Here is a part of a dicussion about this idea, with AI (Gemini), and some of its suggestions: 

Q:

Could a new system be developed : Helicopters inter-communication - not humanly, but technically, to exchange GPS, altitude & Speed data, to avoid collision, & to plan faster route alternates?

A : 

Yes, absolutely. A system for helicopter inter-communication, focused on technical data exchange and AI processing, is not only feasible but highly desirable, especially for enhancing safety and efficiency in complex environments. Here's how such a system could be developed:

Key Components and Functionality:

 * Automated Data Exchange:

   * Helicopters would be equipped with a dedicated communication system for exchanging data without human intervention.

   * This system would automatically transmit and receive real-time GPS coordinates, altitude, velocity, and heading information.

   * Data packets would be optimized for low latency and high reliability, even in challenging communication environments.

 * AI-Powered Collision Avoidance:

   * An onboard AI system would continuously analyze the received data, predicting potential collision trajectories.

   * This system would consider factors like relative speed, direction, and altitude to assess collision risks.

   * If a potential collision is detected, the AI would generate alerts and suggest evasive maneuvers, which could be displayed to the pilot or even used for automated control adjustments.

 * Dynamic Route Planning:

   * The AI system could use the real-time data to optimize flight paths, taking into account the positions and trajectories of other helicopters.

   * This would allow for faster and more efficient route planning, especially in congested airspace.

   * The system could also suggest alternate routes in case of emergencies or unexpected traffic.

 * Airspace Management Integration:

   * The system could be integrated with existing airspace management systems, providing air traffic control with a more comprehensive view of helicopter traffic.

   * This would enable better coordination and control of helicopter operations, especially in urban areas.

 * Data Security and Reliability:

   * Robust security measures would be implemented to protect the exchanged data from unauthorized access or manipulation.

   * The communication system would be designed to be highly reliable, with redundant systems and error correction mechanisms.

Benefits:

 * Enhanced Safety:

   * Reduced risk of mid-air collisions, especially in congested airspace.

   * Improved situational awareness for pilots.

 * Increased Efficiency:

   * Optimized flight paths and reduced flight times.

   * Better utilization of airspace.

 * Improved Air Traffic Management:

   * Enhanced coordination and control of helicopter operations.

   * Reduced workload for air traffic controllers.

Challenges:

 * Communication Infrastructure:

   * Establishing a reliable communication network for helicopters in all operating environments.

 * Data Processing Power:

   * Developing AI systems capable of processing large volumes of data in real-time.

 * Regulatory Approval:

   * Obtaining regulatory approval for the use of automated collision avoidance and route planning systems.

 * Cybersecurity:

   * Protecting the system from cyberattacks.

Despite the challenges, such a system has the potential to revolutionize helicopter operations, making them safer and more efficient.

Q:

Would such a suggestion be useful in case of other aviation systems, as large civilian jet aeroplanes?

A : 

Yes, absolutely. The core principles of the helicopter inter-communication system, with its AI-driven data exchange and collision avoidance, would be highly beneficial for large civilian jet airplanes, albeit with some adaptations. Here's how and why:

Adaptations and Benefits for Large Civilian Jets:

 * Enhanced Collision Avoidance:

   * While large jets already have TCAS, the proposed system would augment it with AI-powered predictive capabilities.

   * It could analyze a wider range of data, including weather patterns, air traffic flow, and pilot intent, to predict and prevent potential conflicts earlier.

   * This would be especially useful in congested airspace and during complex maneuvers.

 * Optimized Air Traffic Management:

   * The system could provide real-time data to air traffic control, enabling more efficient and precise management of air traffic flow.

   * It could facilitate dynamic rerouting and altitude adjustments, reducing delays and fuel consumption.

   * This could lead to a significant reduction in air traffic congestion, especially at major airports.

 * Improved Weather Avoidance:

   * AI could analyze real-time weather data and the positions of other aircraft to recommend optimal flight paths around severe weather systems.

   * This would enhance passenger comfort and safety and reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries.

 * Increased Fuel Efficiency:

   * By optimizing flight paths and altitudes, the system could help airlines reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

   * This would have significant economic and environmental benefits.

 * Enhanced Situational Awareness:

   * Pilots would have access to a more comprehensive and accurate view of their surroundings, including the positions of other aircraft, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions.

   * This would improve their ability to make informed decisions and respond to unexpected situations.

 * Automated Response to Emergencies:

   * In case of an emergency, the system could calculate and suggest the best emergency landing locations, considering the locations of other aircraft, and the terrain.

Key Considerations:

 * Data Security:

   * Given the sensitive nature of aviation data, robust cybersecurity measures would be essential.

 * Integration with Existing Systems:

   * The system would need to be seamlessly integrated with existing air traffic control and aircraft avionics systems.

 * Regulatory Framework:

   * A comprehensive regulatory framework would need to be developed to govern the use of such a system.

 * Bandwidth:

   * The amount of data being transfered between aircraft would be massive, therefore very high bandwidth communication systems would need to be implemented.

Overall:

The application of AI-driven inter-communication in large civilian jets has the potential to significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the aviation industry. While the challenges are significant, the potential benefits are substantial.

Q:

Does such a system - or similar - already exist?

A : 

A fully integrated, standardized system with all the features described above, doesn't exist.

But there are already many purpose-specific (limited) safety technologies, in plains.