Technology Requirements for the Development of Aircraft for Urban Air Mobility - Status Quo

Abstract

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) refers to the transportation of people and goods using vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft in urban areas. It is seen as a potential solution for the increasing traffic congestion and transportation challenges in cities. The concept of UAM involves a network of skyports, where passengers can transit between ground-based transport, such as cars and trains, to VTOL aircraft. This has the potential to provide faster and more efficient transportation, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. Despite its potential benefits, UAM faces various regulatory and technical challenges before it can be widely adopted and integrated into existing transportation systems. Due to the operating conditions for urban aircraft being fundamentally different from the existing mature ones such as passenger airplanes, important aspects for their development need to be considered. The research from this paper explores the major high- and low-level technology requirements for achieving airworthiness of urban aircraft. From the selection, five main requirements for successful aircraft operation in urban airspace have been condensed. These are safety, scalability, performance, cybersecurity, and interoperability. The research shows that the success of UAM relies on the development of innovative technologies to design and manufacture aerial vehicles that are safe, efficient, and sustainable. Regulators must also establish a clear legal framework for the certification of aerial vehicles and operators, ensuring safety, security, and interoperability.