Target Generation Facility
TGF is on a mission to revolutionize the aviation industry by providing a dynamic simulation platform that mirrors real-time aircraft maneuvers across all flight phases. Our goal is to evolve the National Airspace System for a future of unparalleled safety and efficiency through realistic voice communications, pilot maneuvers, and airspace modeling.
In addition to being a robust simulation platform with high-fidelity, dynamic, Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) controlled targets, TGF also a driving force behind simulation services at the William J Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace. We oversee every aspect of the simulation lifecycle including lab connectivity, adaptation to scenario development, integration with external partners, and tool/visualization development. Additionally, we specialize in creating day-in-the-life simulations from historical data recordings, providing unparalleled insight and realism.
- Physics-based BADA model
- Interval Management
- Weather Modeling
- Voice recognition/dictation
- Virtual Controllers
- Custom Tooling / Visualization
- Large cadre of pseudo-pilots
- Simulation data recording & collection
- Trajectory Based operations (TBO)
- Data Comm/CPDLC
- Performance Based Navigation (PBN
- Space Vehicle Operations (SVO)
- Realistic voice communications
- Gate-To-Gate Simulations
- Intelligent Agents
- Both realistic and futuristic traffic flow Development
- Realism Redefined: Our simulations offer a level of realism that blurs the line between simulation and reality, ensuring an immersive experience for users.
- Strategic Partnerships: We leverage the power of partnerships to drive innovation and shape the future of aviation.
- Virtual Airport Immersion Workspace (VIEW): Step into a fully immersive 3D simulation system, designed to provide a realistic environment for Air Traffic Control Tower simulations.’
- Distributed Simulations: We seamlessly integrate external simulators and new entrants
- TGF is a core component of the certified NASA FAA Laboratory Integrated Test Environment (NFLITE), recognized for our commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation simulation.
- ISO 9001 certified laboratory
- Full air traffic simulation capability for all phases of flight
- Physics-based simulations featuring dynamic aircraft targets, voice communications, and real-time visualizations
- Seamless connectivity with external simulator interfaces
TGF is a leader across various testing initiatives, including:
- Air Traffic Operational Testing
- Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) testing
- Human Factors Studies
- Airspace and Procedure Studies
- Early User Involvement
- Early Concept Validation
- Research and Development
TGF facilitates seamless collaboration with leading labs across the nation, including:
- En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM)
- Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS)
- Advanced Technologies and Oceanic Procedures (ATOP)
- Time-Based Flow Management (TBFM)
- NextGen Florida Test Bed (FTB)
- Airport Facilities Terminal Integration Laboratory (AFTIL)
- NAS Innovation and Emerging Concepts (NIEC)
- Integration and Interoperability Facility (I2F)
- Research and Development Human Factors Laboratory (RDHFL)
- Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NextGen Florida Test Bed:
- Flight and Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE):
- 4-Dimensional Trajectory (4DT) Live Flight Demonstration (LFD):
- Multi -Regional Trajectory Based Operations (MR TBO)
NAS Innovation and Emerging Concepts:
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) NAS Evaluation (BNE)
- BNE New Mexico
- Low Density UAS Communication Evaluation (LUCE)
- RECAT (Wake Recategorization)
- VOUCPAR - Validation of UAS Contingency Procedure and Requirements
- Urban Air Mobility Demo (UAMD)
- Crosscutting Strategy and Operations Technical Assessment (COSTA)
Research Development and Human Factors Laboratory:
- ATC Simulations to Present Information Display Optimization (SPIDO) phase one Human-in-the-Loop simulation completed in February 2020
- Terminal Precipitation on the Glass (TPoG) Operational Needs Assessment
- Conflict Alert – Low Altitude Parameter (CA-LAP) Human factors study.
- Terminal System Color Palette Study
TBO Integrated Test Environment (TITE) initiatives
- TITE certification
- Boeing EcoD – Tailored Arrival Metering (TAM) 2020
- Lincoln Lab DRAW lab integration with WJHTC Weather Enterprise Platform (WEP)
- Interval Management prototype development
- AIRS - ADS-B In Retrofit Spacing
NASA / FAA AAM Collaboration
- NASA/FAA Integrated Lab Test Environment (NFLITE) – Lab certification
- NASA UML1 - ACY assessment
- NASA Air Mobility Pathfinders (AMP) TL1 - JFK mid-term assessment
- NASA ATS TIGAR technical transfer
FAA AMM Initiatives
- Innovate 28 – Day-in-the-Life near term AAM research (LAX, MC0)
- WISK Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) (ACY)
History:
The history of TGF dates back to the early simulation capabilities of the Technical Center, where it has been providing traffic flows and voice responses since 1959. With a legacy built on decades of innovation and excellence, TGF continues to lead the way in aviation simulation.
Contact:
The Target Generation Facility (TGF) is located at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace in Pomona, NJ 08405
Simulation Branch Manager: Nigel Archibald