A Real-Time Multiplayer SUMO-Unity Co-Simulation Platform for Vehicle-Aircraft Coordinated Operation

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">As the demands for air travel and air cargo continue to grow, airport surface operations are becoming increasingly congested, elevating the operational risks for all entities. Conventional measurement methods in airport traffic scenarios are limited by high temporal and spatial costs, uncontrollable variables, and their inabilities to account for low-probability events. Moreover, current simulation software for airport operations exhibits weak simulation capabilities and poor interactivity. To address these issues, this study developed a virtual reality traffic simulation platform for airport surface operations. The platform integrated 3D modeling technologies, including Blender and Unity, with the Photon Fusion multiplayer platform and Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) traffic simulation software. By incorporating Logitech external devices, the platform enabled real-time human-driven simulations, multiplayer online interactions, and validation of airport traffic flow models. To enhance practical applicability of the platform, a scenario library for vehicle-aircraft-taxiway coordinated operations was designed based on historical data. A stated preference survey was distributed to aviation experts, evaluating scenario risk ratings and occurrence frequencies. Principal component analysis and rank sum ratio were applied to identify key scenarios, which were embedded into the platform. The results of this study simulate the interaction among vehicles, aircraft, and airport taxiways, providing a scenario-driven control strategy verification platform and real-time interactive driving decision support. This approach contributes to the digital transformation of airport surface management, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.</div></div>