Think – “Uber for the Sky”. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is set to revolutionize the way we travel. The idea is that it is an autonomous, on-demand system of air travel that is safe, reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly.
Definition of AAM
Advanced Air Mobility or AAM is a concept that has been around for a while and now coming into reality. The concept is that you can hail an autonomous aircraft that can transport people or cargo from one point to another, without the need for a human pilot. The idea is that it seamlessly integrates into the current transportation networks and delivers an efficient on-demand alternative to traditional transport. The other benefit is that this system can access rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Other related terms include Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM).
Key components of AAM
Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles (eVTOLs)
What makes the concept work is eVTOLs or Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing. This technology has been supplemented by vectored thrust, augmented lift, and lift-and-cruise technology. The combination of these technologies makes the craft more efficient.
Vertiports
Despite the agility of eVTOLs, they still need some infrastructure to operate and recharge efficiently. Vertiports are the ideal solution and offer a safe landing spot and the ability to recharge. They also offer storage and a maintenance area.
On-Demand Availability
This is at the core of AAM. It needs to integrate with local transport and be available on demand. It should be as easy as hailing a rideshare app. This technology is already in place and simple to adapt.
Integration between Urban, Regional, and Rural
The service needs to cover all areas, within reason, if it is to be successful.
Eco-friendly
This is a major factor and one that developers need to keep in mind. Environmental harm, noise pollution, and other non-environmentally friendly solutions are not going to work.
Cost and Sustainability
The only way AAM will work is if it is affordable. The system needs to be affordable to the average traveller and not an exclusive service. Mass adoption is needed.
The Vehicles
AAM craft needs to be light, safe, and efficient. The tests to date have been positive but there is still some work to be done before they are commercially and legally viable.
Battery and Range
Great strides have been made in battery power and capacity in recent years. This will be a crucial factor in the success of AAM. Light batteries that deliver enough power and a decent time in the air are necessary to make AAM viable.
How AAM Differs from Traditional Air Mobility
The first commercial flight was from St. Petersburg, Florida. This was back in 1914 and took place on New Year’s Day. It was an airboat, and it flew roughly 21 kilometres to Tampa.
Taxi or UAM (Urban Air Mobility) services have existed since the early 1950s. They were mostly helicopters so had VTOL. Naturally, private charted flights have been around for a bit longer. They were and are still expensive.
Both options are expensive and still require timing and opportunity. In the early days, most were only concentrated in the major urban areas.
Several companies have tried to compete in this space including Voom, BLADE, and others, often with poor results. The service is expensive and not on-demand.
Importance of AAM in the Current Context
Traffic congestion
This is the main concern. As urban and rural areas grow, it takes time and significant investment to improve the infrastructure. Some areas are at their physical limits and cannot be expanded further. Apart from the frustration, traffic delays reduce productivity. The annual cost of congestion is estimated to be €100 billion in the EU alone. It is sure to be more in the U.S.
Thus far, AAM has only been used for urgent medical deliveries. Despite that, many tests have been conducted with both cargo and passengers being transported from A to B. Most have been successful.
The transport of medical supplies or the retrieval of samples is only one aspect of AAM. Delivering food and supplies is another aspect.
AAM can reduce congestion and free up time for people to be more productive. The reduced congestion will also improve the experience of road users.
Technologies Involved in Advanced Air Mobility
From the design of aircraft to air management systems, AAM technology is advancing rapidly.
Autonomous vehicles
The past decade has seen an exponential growth in the autonomous vehicle market. This has helped to drive the range of technologies necessary for AAM. It has also helped with the battery and charging evolution needed to make AMM successful.
Electric propulsion
This has also grown in leaps and bounds. While traditional aircraft and helicopters have not evolved much in the past several decades, AAM vehicles are evolving rapidly.
Current technology includes:
- VTOL
- Multirotor or multicopter
- Lift-plus-Cruise
- Ducted fans
- Tiltrotors
- Tiltwing
Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) technologies
Without VTOL, AAM would not be possible. While infrastructure helps and is necessary, VTOL allows the AAM vehicle to take off and land wherever necessary. The VTOL technologies in play are discussed above.
Traffic Management for AAM
Air traffic management is a critical factor in the success of AAM. As we have rules and regulations over roads and the current airspace, management, and control, as well as laws, need to govern the sky. AAM is poised for commercial success, but it must be managed correctly for safety and security.
Fortunately, developing technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning are making the process more manageable.
Intelligent, intuitive, and integrated systems are needed. One of the key drivers will be a collaboration between departments and areas to make AAM work.
Infrastructure requirement
While the vehicles have VTOL, this does not mean they can simply take off and land anywhere. It does offer more freedom, but the infrastructure is necessary. This will ensure safety. Veliports and other solutions provide a safe and necessary place for these vehicles to operate, be serviced, recharged, and stored.
Companies Leading in Advanced Air Mobility
Several companies are in a race for a slice of the AAM market. Given the advanced technology, risks, and regulations, the barrier to entry is relatively high. Here are a few of the companies leading the drive for AAM.
Wisk
One of the trailblazers in AAM is Mountain View, California-based Wisk. They started in 2010 and formed a partnership with stalwarts Boing in 2019. They are now a boing subsidiary.
Wisk has made great strides in VTOL and has completed more than 1600 tests. The merger with Boing allowed them to use their advanced research and development teams as well as their testing systems. Boeing also knows a thing or two about certification, a bonus to Wisk.
Volocopter
Another innovator in the AMM market is Volocopter. They are based in Germany and make personal air vehicles specializing in electric multirotor helicopters. The company demonstrated their Volocopter VC2 as far back as 2011.
Since then, they have received massive funding and investment, allowing them to continue with R&D while producing and testing new craft. Much of the funding came from Geely.
They have done numerous tests and are working closely with the FAA.
EHang
China-based EHAng or Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd produces a range of AAVs (autonomous aerial vehicles). They have already been used for surveys, emergency response, photography, and cinematography,
EHang is credited with creating the first passenger-carrying AAV at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show.
Potential Applications of Advanced Air Mobility
- Urban air mobility – This is possibly the single biggest application of AAM. Commuting, especially in cities, is often a slow and painful process. It limits freedom of movement and the time spent in traffic delays has a negative impact on productivity.
- Cargo deliveries – Deliveries face the same congestion challenges. This sector of the market is growing and will be boosted by AAM.
- Emergency and Medical Services – AAM can save lives and make people safer, happier, and healthier. Urban and rural communities can expect faster turnaround time and enhanced medical service.
- Defense and security – There are multiple defense and security applications of AAM that will improve these vital services.
Challenges and Opportunities in Advanced Air Mobility
Technical challenges
These include issues such as the safety of the aircraft, the weight, battery power and range. Other issues that are a concern in noise pollution and eco-friendliness. Another challenge is that the service needs to be cost-effective in order to be widely adopted and successful.
The rollout of safe and efficient infrastructure including vertiports and charging stations.
Regulatory and policy issues
As a nascent technology, particularly one that has risk potential, there are many regulatory and policy issues. The public, as well as the legal and regulatory framework, need to adapt and adjust to this rapidly evolving technology.
The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, passed by the House of Representatives in the U.S. is a positive move in this regard. What is important is that the private sector works closely with legislators and regulators.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is making great strides to keep up with the advances in AAM.
Public Acceptance and Perception
While most of us think nothing of hopping into a taxi on the road or a commercial or private manned flight, AAM is still a relatively new concept. Most people have understandable concerns. The many successful test flights will help to assure the public that AAM is a safe and reliable option.
Opportunities for Innovation and Growth
Growth will come from regional urban and rural transport, cargo deliveries, and government applications. Congestion is only going to increase on roads so AAM provides an excellent alternative.
Case Studies in Advanced Air Mobility
As AAM is still in its infancy there are few commercial case studies to investigate. Great strides have been made by many companies and the technology is certainly advancing at a rapid rate.
Successful examples of AAM implementations include the eVTOL aircraft designed and operated by Volocopter. They have conducted many successful test flights in Germany where they are based as well as Dubai, Singapore, and other cities across the world. They are firmly on track to launch a commercial AAM service and investors are giving them significant backing.
Lessons Learned From These Case Studies
The main lesson one can learn from the activity and testing to date is that the is still a long way to go. Equipment needs to be enhanced in terms of reliability, safety, and range. Public perception needs to change, and regulators need to catch up with the evolution of AAM. The other critical factor is the funding and rollout of vertiports and other infrastructure needed for the safe adoption of AAM.
Another major point is the need for funding. Developing the craft needed for AAM as well as the cost of testing is expensive. Driving regulation, public perception, and marketing will be additional expenses.
The Future of Advanced Air Mobility
The future of AMM looks bright. Experts predict massive growth in AAM in the current decade. They are looking at growth that rivals the top airlines in terms of fleet size and number of flights. The challenges discussed above are being addressed and advancements are rapid and exponential. AAM is on the cusp of a major disruption of traditional passenger and cargo transport.
Emerging Trends and Technologies
The AMM market has a lot to thank the EV (Electric-vehicle) sector for. This is particularly true of the batteries and charging systems. The EV market is growing at an incredible pace and, apart from design and technological advancements, the two technologies could even share infrastructure, especially charging systems.
Some big players, including NASA and Boeing, are already at advanced stages of research and development as well as testing. Vertiports are starting to pop up and investors are on board. Legislation and regulation are catching up to the rapid evolution of AMM.
Predictions for the future of AAM
Predictions are positive and range from an industry worth US$20.8 billion (2035) to USD 45.12 Billion (2030). Investment in the industry continues to increase which bodes well for the future of AMM. Given the number and quality of the key players, it is just a matter of time before AMM is a commercial success.
Role of AAM in Sustainable and Efficient Transportation
There is a clear and definite need for AMM in the current transport system. Provided the industry can deliver safe and efficient transport that is controlled and backed by regulation, it offers an excellent alternative to the congested road and current air options available. Demand will come from passenger and cargo transport as well as government. It is a particular blessing to rural areas or those not efficiently serviced by traditional transport.
Conclusion
AAM is poised to dramatically shift the way we travel and transport goods. This will be to the benefit of many. People can expect better and faster service and delivery. AAM will help alleviate the frustration of road congestion.
There is still a fair amount of work to be done on the infrastructure and legislation side, but this is progressing at an impressive pace. The reality of commercial Advanced Air Mobility is imminent.
