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About The EEC |
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The origins of the Experimental Centre |
The EUROCONTROL Experimental Centre (EEC) was officially established as the research and development arm of the EUROCONTROL Agency about 45 years ago. Its initial responsibilities were defined as:
- carrying out operational research and testing air traffic control (ATC) methods,
- performing operational demonstrations of the validity of the ATC system proposed, and
- evaluating, operationally and technically, equipment being developed for ATC systems.
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The EEC was the first establishment in the world to perform a totally digital real-time simulation for ATC. A real-time simulation replicates the control room of an ATC centre and the ATC system behaviour as well as the behaviour of the aircraft in the designated airspace. The controller interacts with the system in the same way as with the operational environment, and dialogues with pseudo pilots (human beings) who receive the instructions of the controller and "fly" the simulated aircraft. The purpose of a real-time simulation is to obtain air traffic controller validation of the new features being simulated and tested such as new tools, new airspace design, new procedures, new air routes. It is of paramount importance to fully validate such new features before they can be operationally implemented by the national air navigation service providers.
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The Experimental Centre today |
The staff and resources of the EEC are now integrated into the Cooperative Network Design (CND) directorate.
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Find our more about the CND directorate. |
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We currently have more than 250 staff: scientists, engineers, controllers, and support and administrative staff. We recruit them from all of the EUROCONTROL member states and this cultural mix combines with academic excellence to generate a vibrant and innovative environment.
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The EEC building is set on a site of some 90,000 square metres and has a total floor space of some 15,000 square metres which comprises office space, meeting rooms, video conferencing facilities, experimental rooms, and workshops, in addition to the real-time simulation area consisting of two control rooms and a pilot room.
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Author:
Last validation: 24/06/2009
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