Warning systems are often complex networks of measurement devices, communication lines, decision makers, and measures to be taken. While the single units are reasonably designed, the overall performance of the whole system is often hard to estimate, especially when challenged with exceptional events.
Computer simulation is a means of assessing such situations. The warning system is subjected to a large number of (potentially dangerous) scenarios in order to discover and eliminate weaknesses and flaws. Moreover, potential countermeasures can be simulated to find the most effective actions to be taken when warnings are raised.
This concept is applied to the Flarm collision avoidance system used in glider planes in Europe. It is shown that the system breakdown is far beyond common volume of traffic. Moreover, improvements are suggested to further increase safety. Future changes can be tested in the simulation prior to release.
While the concept is demonstrated to work for Flarm, it is generally applicable to other warning systems and danger situations.