Formal modeling of a complex adaptive air traffic control system

Abstract

AbstractAir traffic control system in airports is one of the most complex systems in the context of air traffic management due to the huge number of requirements. In order to help engineers to develop such complex system we propose a predefined model that includes the essence of air traffic control and the standard requirements. We develop this model using the Event-B formal method which is based on set theory and allows theorems proving. Event-B is also hinged on refinement which means starting with an abstract model and then enriching it in successive steps. Event-B has been successfully applied in several transportation systems and shows no bugs. This encourages us to use it in this critical system to guarantee a strong assurance of bugs’ absence and to ensure model correctness. Our approach provides a standard model to start with in order to model any airport control system, which allows engineers to focus on more typical requirements that are not developed here.