Category: Infrastructure
Wisk Proceeds with Transport Trial in New Zealand
Wisk, the aerospace company currently developing the eVTOL aircraft called the Cora, has proceeded with a “Transport Trial” to advance autonomous flight in New Zealand. In addition, Wisk will be integrating Insitu Pacific Pty Ltd, an unmanned aerial systems developer and Boeing subsidiary into their program. Integrating Insitu into the Transport Trial will allow Wisk to use Boeing’s expertise and...

Wisk Proceeds with Transport Trial in New Zealand

Wisk, the aerospace company currently developing the eVTOL aircraft called the Cora, has proceeded with a “Transport Trial” to advance autonomous flight in New Zealand. In addition, Wisk will be integrating Insitu Pacific Pty Ltd, an unmanned aerial systems developer and Boeing subsidiary into their program. Integrating Insitu into the Transport Trial will allow Wisk to use Boeing’s expertise and advanced technology to the project, according to Wisk’s press release.
According to Anna Kominik, Asia Pacific Region Director for Wisk, “New Zealand presents a unique opportunity and we are immensely proud to have been recognized by the New Zealand Government as the first airspace integration industry partner. New Zealand’s focus on decarbonizing its economy as part of the electric transport evolution directly aligns with Wisk’s mission to deliver safe, everyday flight for everyone through effective, accessible and sustainable urban air mobility solutions.”
Wisk’s Transport Trial is part of New Zealand’s Airspace Integration Trial Program (AITP), which entails testing and demonstrating the integration of unmanned aircraft into airspace. Along with multiple government agencies and New Zealand’s Airways Corporation, Wisk will be performing flight tests, simulation work, and data analysis. The first phase of the Trial will focus on gathering and analyzing this data in order to support integrating eVTOL aircraft into the airspace system, according to a Wisk representative.
According to Gary Gysin, CEO of Wisk, “Wisk has always seen the distinct advantages of New Zealand, including the country’s globally respected Civil Aviation Authority and flexibility for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), These factors, combined with the advantages of testing and operating in a relatively un-congested airspace and the innovative culture of early adoption, makes New Zealand uniquely positioned as a leader for autonomous UAM integration trials.”
“The aim of the Transport Trial, which is part of the New Zealand government’s, broader Airspace Integration Trial Program (AITP), is to safely evaluate, test, and demonstrate the integration of unmanned aircraft into existing airspace,” the representative for Wisk said. “The goal is to provide robust data that can be used by Governments, ANSP, and Civil Aviation Authorities to advance standards globally.”
“We are not providing details on the specifics around this yet,” the representative said. “However, it is important to stress that the Transport Trial is platform agnostic as its goal is to advance autonomous passenger transport in New Zealand – and other jurisdictions – as well as inform/support other trials in the AITP, focused around cargo delivery, agricultural services, and hazard management and monitoring services. This is part of our recognition that the operating ecosystem is as important as a certified aircraft.”
Why it’s important: Wisk presents their latest progress on their development of the Cora in conjunction with the New Zealand government. Thanks to Boeing’s continued firm commitment to the aerial mobility sector. Additionally, with the promising outlook for New Zealand’s lockdown situation, Wisk looks to take full advantage of the potential early return for the Cora.
Source // Aviation Today
U.S. Congress Introduces Legislation to Support Aerial Mobility Infrastructure
The United States House and Senate have introduced legislation looking to advance the development of aerial mobility, notably with bipartisan support. Under the name of “Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act,” the proposed bills call on U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to “establish an inter-agency working group to coordinate efforts to develop a complete AAM ecosystem to support...

U.S. Congress Introduces Legislation to Support Aerial Mobility Infrastructure

The United States House and Senate have introduced legislation looking to advance the development of aerial mobility, notably with bipartisan support. Under the name of “Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act,” the proposed bills call on U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to “establish an inter-agency working group to coordinate efforts to develop a complete AAM ecosystem to support widespread operations of new eVTOL aircraft”, or in other words, federal support for the development of an aerial mobility infrastructure system.
The U.S. House bill, H.R. 1339, was referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation on February 26th, 2021, by Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas), and was co-sponsored by Garret Graves (R-Louisiana). In the Senate, S.516 was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on March 1st, 2021, backed by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona).
According to Sen. Moran, “American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and industry leaders should have a seat at the table as the federal government creates programs to advance the development of this technology and sets safety and operation standards.”

According to Sen. Moran (R-Kansas), “American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and industry leaders should have a seat at the table as the federal government creates programs to advance the development of this technology and sets safety and operation standards.” Photograph: Hyundai
The proposed inter-agency working group would include representatives from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NASA, and U.S. Depts. of Defense, Energy, Commerce, and Homeland Security. Additionally, eVTOL aircraft manufacturers would be invited to participate, as well as pilot training and ground handling organizations, aircraft operators, aircraft maintenance providers, pilot and ATC unions, state, local, and tribal agencies, first responders, environmental groups and energy companies.
If enacted, the working group would be established within 120 days from the date of enactment, and ready to start deliberations 60 days afterwards. The group’s main tasks would be to provide a review and examination of all the factors — such as safety and security involved with air traffic management concepts involving AAM, federal policies that can be leveraged to advance AAM and necessary infrastructure to support the development of AAM, and benefits associated with such development — required to support aerial mobility development and to report on proposals within 180 days after the completion of this work, implying a rough estimated timeline that extends to the fourth quarter of 2022.
The legislation has received support from several key aviation industry groups, including the NBAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Aerospace Industries Association, the Vertical Flight Society, Helicopter Association International, American Association of Airport Executives, and Airports Council International.
According to GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce, “The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act goes well beyond the good work the FAA is doing to certify and build the operational regulatory framework to introduce electric aircraft into the National Airspace System,” Bunce said, adding such inter-agency and industry coordination would “help realize the enormous potential and broad societal benefits of this rapidly developing and transformative aviation sector.”
“On-demand AAM provides a path for the U.S. to maintain its position as the world leader in civil aviation, and there are significant opportunities for general aviation and our highly skilled workforce, which is why we support this important legislation,” added NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.
Why it’s important: This legislation displays the rising popularity of aerial mobility, with bills being introduced in both House and Senate with bipartisan support. If enacted, aerial mobility development in the domestic market would be greatly accelerated, as federal support would allow for easier paths into installing aerial mobility infrastructure and services within the United States.
Source // AIN Online
Lilium to Announce Air Taxi Hub Coming to South Florida this Spring
Ferrovial, a global leading infrastructure operator, and Lilium, the aviation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet aircraft and service, have signed a framework agreement to develop a network of at least ten vertiports. The zero-carbon infrastructure and services will cover strategic locations in all major cities across Florida. This partnership seeks to provide an efficient and...

Lilium to Announce Air Taxi Hub Coming to South Florida this Spring

Ferrovial, a global leading infrastructure operator, and Lilium, the aviation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet aircraft and service, have signed a framework agreement to develop a network of at least ten vertiports. The zero-carbon infrastructure and services will cover strategic locations in all major cities across Florida. This partnership seeks to provide an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative transport network connecting locations across Florida.

In 2020, Lilium shared its vision for a scalable vertiport – learn more about the infrastructure plans here.
Lilium’s full-scale five-seater demonstrator first flew in May 2019 and is a fully electric aircraft that can take-off and land vertically (eVTOL). The Lilium Jet has 36 all-electric ducted fans with acoustic liners, capable of capturing and dissipating noise before it leaves the engine, thus blending into typical urban environments. Lilium expects to service a sizable global market demand by connecting communities at a fraction of the cost of conventional high-speed infrastructure, with zero operating emissions.

The Lilium Jet. Photo courtesy of Lilium.
Vertiports are a key component in realizing the enormous potential of innovations in eVTOL aviation, providing infrastructure for landing, recharging, and taking off with passengers. According to a recent press release, Ferrovial and Lilium will collaborate in designing and constructing the vertiport facilities as well as the operation and maintenance of the vertiports for passenger service. The first location in South Florida will be announced as soon as Spring 2021.
Commenting on the partnership, Daniel Wiegand, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Lilium said: “Our partnership with Ferrovial to develop flight infrastructure, is a critical step in delivering the potential of regional air mobility to provide high speed, affordable, emissions-free travel to millions of people. As we accelerate our launch plans, Lilium is committed to partnering with industry leaders, bringing together their strengths and experience with our aircraft technology and passenger service infrastructure. We’re excited about what we will achieve together.”
Dr. Remo Gerber, Chief Operating Officer, Lilium continues: “Our strategy to bring high-speed transportation networks to an entire region is being brought to life in Florida, and Ferrovial is the ideal partner with their unrivaled expertise in airport construction and operations around the globe. Nearly all 20 million Floridians will live within 30 minutes of our vertiports and the 140 million annual visitors to the Sunshine State will have a high-speed option available to travel to their destinations.”
Ferrovial has earned a reputation as a leading infrastructure investor and operator, dedicated to developing sustainable solutions throughout the lifecycle of a project with an integrated approach, taking advantage of its business units’ synergies. Ferrovial currently manages $10 billion in assets in the United States. Ferrovial Airports is ready to be a player in the future of vertiports and urban air mobility. Providing passengers with choice and air travel alternatives contributes to the commitment to enhanced and further personalized passenger experience.
Why it’s important: Ultimately, Ferrovial and Lilium share the same goal – establish and grow a nascent urban air mobility ecosystem to deliver an innovative mode of transport that will shorten distances and improve quality of life for citizens. The Lilium Jet’s efficient and ultra-low noise electric jet engines allow it to operate in densely populated urban areas and cover longer distances at high-speed with zero operating emissions. By saving time and enhancing connectivity, the service will drive significant economic growth for cities and increase access to industry, culture, and nature.
Related:
Hyundai and Urban Air Port to Build eVTOL Hub in UK
The British government has granted approval for Hyundai and Urban-Air Port to build the world’s first eVTOL hub in Coventry. Set to debut later this year, this facility will serve as a port for eVTOL aircraft and autonomous delivery drones. Hyundai and Urban-Air Port also intend to use this opportunity to display the full potential of aerial mobility in the...

Hyundai and Urban Air Port to Build eVTOL Hub in UK

The British government has granted approval for Hyundai and Urban-Air Port to build the world’s first eVTOL hub in Coventry. Set to debut later this year, this facility will serve as a port for eVTOL aircraft and autonomous delivery drones. Hyundai and Urban-Air Port also intend to use this opportunity to display the full potential of aerial mobility in the UK and worldwide. The Air-One hub will be a temporary airport in the Coventry city center, and will hold live demonstrations intended to showcase the utility of eVTOLs and drones for the purpose of aerial mobility, including but not limited to transportation, autonomous logistics, and disaster emergency response.
By November 2021, the Air-One hub will be up and running, partially due to a £1.2 million (about $1.65 million) grant from UK Research and Innovation’s Future Flight Challenge. According to the official press release, the Air-One hub will take up less space and resources compared to the average helipad or airport. The Air-One hub is zero-emissions, and will have the capability to operate completely off the grid.
Urban-Air Port also intends to develop 200 more urban airports globally within the next five years. According to Urban-Air Port founder Ricky Sandhu, “Cars need roads. Trains need rails. Planes need airports. eVTOLs will need Urban Air Ports. Over a hundred years ago, the world’s first commercial flight took off, creating the modern connected world. Urban-Air Port will improve connectivity across our cities, boost productivity and help the UK to take the lead in a whole new clean global economy.”
Why it’s important: The approval to build this temporary hub in the UK represents a huge step for the industry. Successful demonstrations at the Air-One hub could help improve optics for sustainable aerial mobility as well as accelerate the development of aerial mobility infrastructure worldwide.
Source // Robb Report
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Announces Urban Air Mobility Partnership
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the creation of the Urban Air Mobility Partnership, an initiative that will help shape Los Angeles into one of the cities at the forefront of aerial mobility. Part of a public-private partnership between the Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and Urban Movement Labs (UML), the Urban Air Mobility Partnership was...

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Announces Urban Air Mobility Partnership

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the creation of the Urban Air Mobility Partnership, an initiative that will help shape Los Angeles into one of the cities at the forefront of aerial mobility. Part of a public-private partnership between the Mayor’s Office, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and Urban Movement Labs (UML), the Urban Air Mobility Partnership was formed in order to educate and engage LA’s residents with the idea of introducing aerial mobility by 2023.

Los Angeles and Urban Movement Labs will lead a multi-stakeholder effort to visualize a vertiport and help Los Angeles identify and resolve challenges identified by local, diverse stakeholders surrounding public airspace and property rights.
“Los Angeles is where we turn today’s ideas into tomorrow’s reality — a place where a barrier-breaking concept like urban air mobility can truly get off the ground,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Urban Air Mobility Partnership will make our city a force for cleaner skies, safer transportation, expanded prosperity, and stunning innovation, and provide a template for how other local governments can take this new technology to even greater heights.”
Working together, Los Angeles and Urban Movement Labs will lead a multi-stakeholder effort to visualize a vertiport and help Los Angeles identify and resolve challenges identified by local, diverse stakeholders surrounding public airspace and property rights. This one year partnership will also develop a policy toolkit that will be able to be utilized and deployed nationwide.
With financial backing from the Urban Air Mobility Division of Hyundai Motor Group, UML will also work together with Estolano Advisors to hire an Urban Air Mobility Fellow who will work towards advancing a comprehensive public engagement strategy for aerial mobility, including how it will strengthen the local economy, the schedule for when vehicles will take flight, and how it will impact and improve the local citizens’ daily lives.
“Now more than ever, with so many suffering the impacts of a devastating pandemic, Los Angeles needs a resilient transportation network that can adapt to the needs of its communities with the flip of a switch,” said LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds. “As we prepare to include [aerial mobility] as a viable option for moving goods and people across our City, it is critical that we hear from stakeholders and design a system that works for all Angelenos.”
Why it’s important: With the city of Los Angeles now officially working towards this development, the Urban Air Mobility Partnership will set a powerful precedent for how diverse stakeholders can collaborate on a safe, community-centered approach to integrating aerial mobility technology into existing and new multimodal platforms.
Source // sUAS News
uAvionix Announces Participation in Deployment of Vantis, North Dakota’s UAS System
uAvionix announced that they will be participating in the deployment of Vantis, North Dakota’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) infrastructure and network. A partner of Thales’ TopSky Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) platform, uAvionix will provide infrastructural support to Vantis through the deployment of terrestrial command and control (C2) infrastructure and a cloud-based C2 service, enabling...

uAvionix Announces Participation in Deployment of Vantis, North Dakota’s UAS System

uAvionix announced that they will be participating in the deployment of Vantis, North Dakota’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) infrastructure and network. A partner of Thales’ TopSky Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) platform, uAvionix will provide infrastructural support to Vantis through the deployment of terrestrial command and control (C2) infrastructure and a cloud-based C2 service, enabling centralized management, coordination, and C2 handoffs. The successful integration of the C2 system into Vantis is an important first step for the goal of eventually introducing UAS systems into global airspace, a milestone that will be vital for integrating aerial mobility into the transportation sector.
Led by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, the deployment of Vantis will enable future BVLOS missions across the key-site deployment area of McKenzie County, ND. A key part of that ability will come from the uAvionix’s C2 service, which will be able to monitor overall system performance, the health and signal strength of each radio on the network, location monitoring and tracking, and centralized control.
The C2 service leverages uAvionix’s microLink Airborne Radio Systems (ARS) and skyStation Ground Radio Systems (GRS) developed to ASTM standards. microLink and skyStation are dual-architecture MIMO digital frequency hopping radios which enable intelligent make-before-break (MBB) transitions from one GRS to the next in long-range operations, enhancing the overall safety case.
In addition to the C2 service, uAvionix will additionally contribute to the overall low-altitude airspace surveillance picture through the deployment of its pingStation networkable ADS-B receivers.
“Thales is excited to partner with uAvionix in North Dakota to deploy a BVLOS C2 network infrastructure and service,” said Frank Matus, Director of Digital Aviation Market Development for Thales. “uAvionix achievements in the areas of surveillance and TSO avionics is instrumental in addressing the command and communications challenges faced by the emerging UAS industry in North Dakota and across the national airspace system.”
Why it’s important: Vantis represents both an exciting possibility on its own as well as the future of UAS integration into global airspace. With this, uAvionix advances its mission to overcome operational and technical challenges of UAS integration into global airspace by providing networks with infrastructure and certified low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) avionics for mission-critical applications.
Source // uAvionix Press Release (11/19/2020)
PRICE Systems Joins Access Skyways to Support the Integration of Aerial Mobility
PRICE Systems, an industry leader in cost estimation technology, has joined with Access Skyways, a group of partner companies working to support the integration of aerial mobility transportation worldwide. PRICE Systems has previously been a critical component of progressing the aerial mobility industry, providing model-based cost engineering technology and consulting to predict total lifecycle costs (PRICE Cost Analytics) – down...

PRICE Systems Joins Access Skyways to Support the Integration of Aerial Mobility

PRICE Systems, an industry leader in cost estimation technology, has joined with Access Skyways, a group of partner companies working to support the integration of aerial mobility transportation worldwide.
PRICE Systems has previously been a critical component of progressing the aerial mobility industry, providing model-based cost engineering technology and consulting to predict total lifecycle costs (PRICE Cost Analytics) – down to electric components and transportation infrastructure. With PRICE Systems now joining Access Skyways, PRICE’s Cost Analytics technology will now be able to provide direct advice to Access Skyways.
Initially formed by Jaunt Air Mobility, Access Skyways works to help organizations through the implementation process of aerial mobility, ranging from general transit to vertiports to air operations. Access Skyways develops and provides data and analysis on infrastructure design, supply and demand cost analysis, flight operations, electrification, existing flight infrastructure, and maintenance and repair. Jaunt Air Mobility is also a designer and manufacturer of its own piloted (or autonomous) electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban and regional mobility. Jaunt is also a named partner with Uber Elevate, and will provide eVTOL aircraft for Uber’s planned flight operations.

Initially formed by Jaunt Air Mobility, Access Skyways works to help organizations through the implementation process of aerial mobility, ranging from general transit to vertiports to air operations. Featured above is Jaunt Air Mobility’s eVTOL, designed for urban air mobility transportation.
According to Anthony Demarco, CEO of PRICE Systems, “The future of flight is real and we are excited to bring our aeronautics cost estimating experience to the table and join a strong group of companies whose paths have crossed before.”
Nate Sirirojvisuth, PhD, Sr. Cost Research Analyst at PRICE Systems states that, “We have great eVTOL technology, but we need to optimize it for the market, not just performance.”
Why it’s important: Access Skyways represents an important part of the aerial mobility industry, providing aid for organizations in managing the complexity of introducing a new system of transit to a preexisting transit ecosystem. PRICE Systems’ inclusion will further support the integration of future transport for aerial mobility worldwide.
Source // PR Newswire
Humatics Secures $30M in Series B Funding
Humatics has secured $30 million in Series B funding to scale its sub-millimeter Milo Microlocation System and increase its footprint in the transit industry with its proprietary Rail Navigation System, among other investments, company leadership announced today. Blackhorn Ventures led the funding round, with Tenfore Holdings, Fontinalis Partners, Airbus Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, and Presidio Ventures following suit. The $30...

Humatics Secures $30M in Series B Funding

Humatics has secured $30 million in Series B funding to scale its sub-millimeter Milo Microlocation System and increase its footprint in the transit industry with its proprietary Rail Navigation System, among other investments, company leadership announced today.
Blackhorn Ventures led the funding round, with Tenfore Holdings, Fontinalis Partners, Airbus Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, and Presidio Ventures following suit. The $30 million infusion grows the company’s funding by a third, bringing its total raised to over $80 million.
“This visionary $30 million investment will help bring Humatics microlocation technology to scale across the globe” said David Mindell, CEO of Humatics. “Microlocation technology is useful especially now, as we try to keep each other safe by providing space and keeping people and goods moving. We are grateful to Blackhorn and our other investors for sharing that vision.”
“We’re excited to lead the Series B round and invest in the Humatics team,” said Trevor Zimmerman, managing partner of Blackhorn Ventures. “Humatics’ focus on developing location and navigation technology for the transit space and millimeter scale precise positioning technology for manufacturing, logistics, construction and medical unlocks unprecedented collaboration between humans, machines and infrastructure. We look forward to working with the Humatics team to leverage the tremendous success they’ve had with their Rail Navigation System and Microlocation System.”
Humatics proprietary Milo Microlocation System has broad uses across the manufacturing, logistics, industrial equipment, healthcare and construction spaces, helping to identify with millimeter precision where objects are in relation to each other, facilitating seamless collaboration between people, machines, robots and infrastructure. In manufacturing, the technology improves the speed and accuracy of autonomous lineside delivery, making it possible for lineside workers to take on other high-value tasks, and to facilitate tool endpoint tracking for faster, and better-quality assembly procedures. For other markets such as healthcare, construction, and security, Humatics envisions this technology fundamentally transforming how we conduct surgeries, manage secure spaces and utilize construction tools to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Humatics uses UWB, IMU and offers integration with additional sensors for additional safety, and robustness.
In transportation, Humatics Rail Navigation System improves transit vehicle navigation and positioning which helps trains run closer together, speeding up throughput and improving safety in some of the nation’s busiest urban environments. These upgrades are proving critical as transit systems recover from Covid-19 slowdowns.
Humatics recently completed a successful pilot project to install its ultra-wideband technology on 5.5 miles of track in New York City’s subway system. The pilot showcased the technology’s durability, ease of installation, and potential to speed train throughput in one of the busiest transportation networks on the globe. For more information on Humatics’ work on the MTA UWB Pilot, see here.
The company also aims to expand its transportation footprint beyond New York City– helping large- and mid-market transportation systems across the United States and globally upgrade their signaling systems for quicker throughput, improved environmental durability, and reduced maintenance times.
Why it matters: Humatics Round B funding drew in investors well known within the aerospace industry including Airbus Ventures and Lockheed Martin Ventures. The technology, while being demonstrated in rail technology, offers opportunities to provide incredible opportunities within the aerial mobility space. With Humatics micro-location system, eVTOL vehicles will be able to operate in greater densities and navigate around surrounding hazards. Look for companies like Humatics to be at the center of the aerial mobility navigation conversation.
Toyota’s Advanced Development Group Will Launch $800 Million Dollar Global Mobility Investment Fund in 2021
The Toyota Research Institute (TRI-AD) announced in a September 10 press release that it would be creating a global growth investment fund targeted at new forms of mobility. The fund is to be named Woven, L.P, with the mission “Mobility to Love, Safety to Live”. Initial commitment is reported at $800 million, with a target January 2021 launch date. The...

Toyota’s Advanced Development Group Will Launch $800 Million Dollar Global Mobility Investment Fund in 2021

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI-AD) announced in a September 10 press release that it would be creating a global growth investment fund targeted at new forms of mobility. The fund is to be named Woven, L.P, with the mission “Mobility to Love, Safety to Live”.
Initial commitment is reported at $800 million, with a target January 2021 launch date. The announcement also forms a triad of operating companies, including Woven CORE, Woven Alpha, and Woven Capital, all under the umbrella of Woven Planet. The fund is set to be located in the United States, and operate over a period of 10 years. This timeline would align with the majority of the legwork to complete certification processes, final design and manufacturing implementation details, and stand up baseline infrastructure for initial commercial operations of aerial mobility aircraft (among other mobility sources) at least in part. While the fund is more diversified than aerial mobility technologies and the respective enabling technologies, future blueprints for technical development in the mobility space are increasingly sourcing common design principles (electronic propulsion or automated guidance/directional control on ground) and operations interface (application or dashboard based ride sharing/hailing/management) that would enable investments in certain technologies intended for on-ground or in-air transport to benefit other sectors as well.
From Toyota’s press release, the fund focuses on “Growth-stage companies with innovative technologies and business models in areas such as autonomous mobility, automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data and analytics, connectivity, and smart cities”. The Research Institute also shared via their website that they intend on hiring new personnel to assist with the development and management of the Fund.
Why it’s important: Toyota is no stranger to the aerial mobility industry, having previously invested in Joby and SkyDrive. This announcement further commits the company toward a majority stake in many mobility industries, including that of aerial mobility. To date, one of the largest investments in an aerial mobility company included involvement from Toyota: Joby’s massive $590 million dollar commitment in January of 2020. While the larger fund being announced by Toyota won’t exceed that dollar amount for any one company, in all likelihood, the potential total benefit could be similar when a series of smaller investments made in multiple smaller enabling technology companies are considered.
Read the full press release from Toyota here.
LG Chem’s Li-S Battery Powered EAV-3 Sets Altitude Record
Seoul, South Korea based LG Chem, Ltd and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute set an altitude record with their LG Li-S (lithium sulfur) battery powered EAV-3 UAV on August 30th. The EAV-3 reached an altitude of 22km above sea level, or approximately 72,000 feet during the flight, and operated for seven hours in the stratosphere at altitudes between 12 and...

LG Chem’s Li-S Battery Powered EAV-3 Sets Altitude Record

Seoul, South Korea based LG Chem, Ltd and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute set an altitude record with their LG Li-S (lithium sulfur) battery powered EAV-3 UAV on August 30th.
The EAV-3 reached an altitude of 22km above sea level, or approximately 72,000 feet during the flight, and operated for seven hours in the stratosphere at altitudes between 12 and 22 kilometers MSL, during its 13 hour total period of operation on a Lithium sulfur battery designed and manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd.
Lightweight Li-S batteries use sulfur-carbon composites as anodes and lithium metals for cathodes. LG Chem’s Li-S batteries are reportedly lighter than existing Lithium-Ion batteries, and claims that there battery packs have energy densities that are 1.5 times that of today’s standard lithium ion batteries. The company did not disclose what baseline energy density they used to generate this figure.
While the UAV altitude record is impressive, the IP of this achievement resides in the high energy density of the batteries themselves, showcasing an asset that LG Chem Ltd. may be able to provide to the aerial mobility industry in the future.
While Lithium-ion batteries exist today that allow for reasonable performance and range of aerial mobility or personal aerial vehicles, even a mere 10% increase in energy density almost directly correlates to 10% increases in endurance and flight time of electrically powered aircraft. A claimed 50% increase over current battery technology would allow for range extensions to validate use cases of aerial mobility aircraft as intercity transports for short range flights, not just aircraft that facilitate the “last mile” or last 10-15 miles of a journey over congested freeways.
Why it’s important: LG Chem Ltd’s Li-S battery technology may become a feasible alternative to commercially available Lithium Ion batteries. However, the super-high energy density battery industry is filled with other competitors working hard to develop their own energy sources that are superior to any currently available power sources, such as Cuberg, which developed a battery that allowed a test case drone to fly for 70% longer by redesigning lithium ion battery infrastructure from the ground up.
NASA Chooses UrbanFootprint for Urban Airspace Mapping Program
UrbanFootprint, a location intelligence and urban planning software company, has been chosen as a key software partner to support NASA’s UAM initiative. Through NASA’s UAM program, “NASA will provide early adopters of UAM technology with a safe, efficient, and flexible system to operate air vehicles for moving passengers and cargo within metropolitan areas.”, according to an UrbanFootprint blog post. UrbanFootprint,...

NASA Chooses UrbanFootprint for Urban Airspace Mapping Program

UrbanFootprint, a location intelligence and urban planning software company, has been chosen as a key software partner to support NASA’s UAM initiative. Through NASA’s UAM program, “NASA will provide early adopters of UAM technology with a safe, efficient, and flexible system to operate air vehicles for moving passengers and cargo within metropolitan areas.”, according to an UrbanFootprint blog post. UrbanFootprint, with its data, analysis, and mapping capabilities, will work with NASA to support in airspace operations and safety by developing an industry-standard 3D Urban Airspace Map and can assist in the siting of critical ‘vertiports’ (air-vehicle takeoff and landing pads) and aerial route planning. UrbanFootprint is part of a team led by The Innovation Laboratory Inc., and is working directly under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
“Urban Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionize urban transportation. It can play a role in freight and delivery, passenger transportation, and emergency response. Planning and deployment of UAM requires a comprehensive understanding of the groundscape and how air space interacts with the complex nature of urban environments.”
UrbanFootprint’s expertise and capabilities can aid in the siting of critical ‘vertiports’ (air-vehicle takeoff and landing pads) and aerial route planning. “The UrbanFootprint platform will enable NASA and the project team to identify potential sites across the urban landscape, accounting for a myriad of contingencies and requirements, including accessibility, risk and resilience, energy use, and environmental impact.” This is all to help NASA’s ultimate goal of developing a 3D Urban Airspace Map with a network of vertiports and airspace traffic layers, which could integrate with the urban and environmental data and analytical capabilities of the UrbanFootprint platform.
Why it’s important: The development of a proper and safe infrastructure for aerial mobility is critical in ensuring that the industry succeeds in the next few decades. With UrbanFootprint’s aid, the aerial mobility industry can gain an industry-standard 3D Urban Airspace Map, something that would be extremely useful for any company in the industry.
Source // UrbanFootprint blog post (8/27/20)
AI Pilots Surpassing Humans? AlphaDogfight’s Implications for Aerial Mobility
DARPA hosted from August 18th-20th the AlphaDogfight event, pitting AI experienced based learning tactics to play against anonymous instructor combat fighter pilots to assess the feasibility of utilizing machine learning to iterate a “zero experience” pilot into a seasoned combat veteran. AI algorithms were given no prior experience our foundational knowledge with which to “fly” fighter aircraft in a simulation,...

AI Pilots Surpassing Humans? AlphaDogfight’s Implications for Aerial Mobility

DARPA hosted from August 18th-20th the AlphaDogfight event, pitting AI experienced based learning tactics to play against anonymous instructor combat fighter pilots to assess the feasibility of utilizing machine learning to iterate a “zero experience” pilot into a seasoned combat veteran. AI algorithms were given no prior experience our foundational knowledge with which to “fly” fighter aircraft in a simulation, and over the process of millions of iterations of scenarios are able to eventually learn how to control combat aircraft. While the successful implementation of machine learning algorithms to pilot an aircraft have already been proven, the unique considerations required for this scenario involved assigning weight to certain errors that the algorithms would inevitably make, such that future iterations would be more adverse to performing riskier maneuvers than it would to more docile flight paths.
The estimated experience of the winning algorithm produced by Heron Systems equated to ~12 years of human fighter pilot experience, amassed over a much shorter period, thanks to the use of multiple GPU’s. The company stated that their algorithm had been through over 4 billion simulations to acquire that experience. In the final dogfight, the algorithm won five times to the humans’ zero in a nose to nose “guns only” simulation.
While aerial mobility aircraft will never perform evasive maneuvers in dogfights or aggressive aerobatics to gain the upper hand on a foe, the same decision making processes and best guidance that allowed Heron to win the DARPA AlphaDogfight competition would also apply to the algorithms of future aerial mobility flight path control services. For instance, assessing more weight to errors that would jeopardize the safety of more persons, not just those that are flying within an eVTOL, would allow for algorithms to iterate toward flight path and decision making processes that minimize risk and maximize safety. While the dogfight algorithm produced by Heron isn’t necessarily plug and play for aerial mobility, the IP lies within the methods to establish the framework and ground rules from which the algorithm learns.
Why it’s important: Defense contractors have proven AI’s ability to gain similar levels of experience to those of lifetime pilots, and allow for enough decision making by machine learning algorithms along the way to enable more intelligent solutions than just codification of if, then statements for every possible scenario. This more organic approach toward establishing reasonable frameworks for complete autonomous flight path control will be a key enabling technology for the future success of the aerial mobility industry.
Bell Unveils Manufacturing Facility for its Future Vertical Lift Aircraft
Bell Textron Inc. unveiled today its new 140,000-square-foot Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Fort Worth, Texas. The MTC is an innovative proving ground where Bell will test and refine technologies and processes—demonstrating manufacturing readiness and ability to successfully build and support Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. The facility provides capabilities that span all of Bell’s core manufacturing of rotor and drive systems,...

Bell Unveils Manufacturing Facility for its Future Vertical Lift Aircraft

Bell Textron Inc. unveiled today its new 140,000-square-foot Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in Fort Worth, Texas. The MTC is an innovative proving ground where Bell will test and refine technologies and processes—demonstrating manufacturing readiness and ability to successfully build and support Future Vertical Lift (FVL) aircraft. The facility provides capabilities that span all of Bell’s core manufacturing of rotor and drive systems, critical infrastructure and final assembly.
Since establishing a footprint in North Texas in 1951, Bell’s facilities have been a hub for new technology in aviation. Many milestones, including first flight of the XV-15, V-22, 609 and 407, took place in the DFW metroplex. According to Bell, building FVL aircraft will require the right blend of investment in manufacturing technology and a quality workforce, as well as strong partnerships with the state and community.
“The MTC is the next step in successfully deploying new manufacturing technologies and processes into Bell’s future factories,” said Glenn Isbell, vice president, Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing Innovation. “These future factories working together with our teammates and suppliers, will be designed to enable high-quality, high-rate production of the Bell V-280 Valor, Bell 360 Invictus and other future aircraft.”

An artist’s rendering of the potential interior of Bell’s new facility.
Digital connectivity and integration form the backbone of the MTC. The entire facility will be monitored and controlled by its own IT Network; Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and cybersecurity systems that manage the inflow and outflow of materials, as well as the movement of activity throughout the factory. By deploying a networked software infrastructure, the MTC will produce a digital twin of itself that gives managers a common operating picture of the building, the equipment and the processes.
Why it matters: In tandem with its development of Future Vertical Lift aircraft for military applications, Bell has been applying similar technologies to the advancement of urban air mobility vehicles. Notably, the company has already unveiled prototypes of the Bell Nexus passenger eVTOLs as well as the APT cargo eVTOL, which may be developed or produced in facilities like the MCT.

The Bell Nexus, a vertical lift passenger aircraft currently being developed by Bell.
Related:
- Bell Unveils All-Electric Nexus 4EX at CES 2020
- Bell Partners with Sumitomo and Japan Airlines for Future of eVTOL
Source // Bell Flight press release
Hyundai Further Invests in Aerial Mobility Infrastructure, Partners with Urban-Air Port Ltd
Urban-Air Port Ltd and Hyundai Air Mobility (a Hyundai Motor Group division) have announced a collaboration effort to create smart mobility solutions that put people first, connect communities, and generate shared value. Hyundai has recently focused additional resources on enhancing its product line up to help usher in a more sustainable future, while offering innovative solutions to real-world mobility challenges. ...

Hyundai Further Invests in Aerial Mobility Infrastructure, Partners with Urban-Air Port Ltd

Urban-Air Port Ltd and Hyundai Air Mobility (a Hyundai Motor Group division) have announced a collaboration effort to create smart mobility solutions that put people first, connect communities, and generate shared value.
Hyundai has recently focused additional resources on enhancing its product line up to help usher in a more sustainable future, while offering innovative solutions to real-world mobility challenges. Through the process, the multinational automotive manufacturer aims to facilitate ‘Progress for Humanity’ with smart mobility solutions that vitalize connections between people and provide quality time to its customers.
To achieve this, Hyundai has partnered with Urban-Air Port Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of small. (Six Miles Across London Limited). small. consists of a group of UK based Urban DeepTech companies focusing on Future Mobility; Urban.AV (Autonomous Vehicles), Urban.MASS (Mass Transit) and Urban-Air Port. In total, Hyundai plans to invest $1.5B in UAM over the next five years to create an air vehicle and the supporting mobility ecosystem for UAM operations. Whilst vehicle development is crucial and underway, an urgent need for appropriate ground infrastructure remains one of the biggest constraints on the growing sector, according to NASA and industry leaders.
“As part of Hyundai Motor Group, our Air Mobility division is intent on supporting the development of human-centred cities through innovation,” said Dr. Jaiwon Shin, Head of Hyundai Air Mobility.
Hyundai’s and Urban-Air Port’s goals in this partnership are fully aligned – transforming cities for the better by creating a versatile infrastructure that enables future mobility, vitalises urban communities, and expands access to transportation services and the green economy. Pamela Cohn, COO of Hyundai Air Mobility, said “There is often a strong focus on the vehicles, but without coordination and investment in other parts of the ecosystem, UAM is just a flying science project. Infrastructure is one of the crucial areas of the broader ecosystem that will bring aerial mobility to communities around the world. We are excited to partner with Urban-Air Port and UK communities to explore what this infrastructure of the future will look like.”
Ricky Sandhu, CEO of Urban-Air Port said: “We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with Hyundai Air Mobility as we embark on bringing together world-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle OEMs, passenger and logistics service operators and our physical & digital infrastructure in our unique, flexible and sustainable turn-key “Air-OneTM” approach that we believe will help unlock and propel a clean, future UAM mobility ecosystem both here in the UK and around the world for multiple sectors.”

Off-shore floating Urban-Air Port® for Air Taxi Services. Credit // Urban-Air Port Ltd.
Hyundai Air Mobility and Urban-Air Port plan to invest in development of a full-scale prototype for live eVTOL demonstrations. Two UK cities have already signed on to support development in 2021, including what will be UK’s 1st, Coventry in the West Midlands, which will host UK City of Culture 2021 and the Commonwealth Games.
Why it’s important: This partnership highlights Hyundai’s ambition for a future mobility ecosystem by adding infrastructure to their existing industry partnerships. The Urban-Air Port® design has a 60% smaller footprint than a traditional heliport or nearest-state-of-the-art ‘vertiports’, allowing for quick and easy installation in space-limited urban sites. Its modular flat-pack structure results in a cost-effective, transportable and rapidly deployable new form of infrastructure that is impressively capable of providing both passenger/cargo processing/amenities and vehicle charging/maintenance facilities.
Source // Urban-Air Port press release
Pipistrel and Green Motion May Change the Future of Electric Aircraft Charging
Electric General Aviation aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel and electric vehicle charging pioneer, Green Motion, are announcing a game changing partnership to develop a “universal, future-proof, environmentally friendly, ‘turnkey'” charging technology for electric airplanes. This new charging infrastructure will be in line with regulations from EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. By obtaining of the first ever type certificate for an...

Pipistrel and Green Motion May Change the Future of Electric Aircraft Charging

Electric General Aviation aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel and electric vehicle charging pioneer, Green Motion, are announcing a game changing partnership to develop a “universal, future-proof, environmentally friendly, ‘turnkey'” charging technology for electric airplanes. This new charging infrastructure will be in line with regulations from EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
By obtaining of the first ever type certificate for an electric airplane from EASA for its Velis Elctro aircraft, Pipistrel has affirmed that the electric market in Europe and the U.S will grow. With its FLIGHT XT, one of the world’s first electric airplane chargers already in use in two airports in Switzerland, Green Motion has gained extensive knowledge of electric airplane charging.
While Pipistrel is shaping the aviation industry by developing and delivering a cutting-edge electric airplane, Green Motion is simultaneously raising the bar in electric vehicle charging for cars, two-wheelers, trucks, airplanes, and even Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Both companies put user experience and exceptional quality first, in order to foster environmentally friendly and affordable transportation.
Now, the two companies are joining forces to create a “future-proof” electric airplane charging solution that will last and evolve with the latest technologies on the market. Another focus during development of the technology will be turnkey installation combined with a photovoltaic system, as solar technologies also help airports receive subsidies. Charging modules can also be complemented with cutting-edge energy storage to enable fully self-contained systems. Ultimately, Pipistrel and Green Motion envision an entire a network of electric airplane charging stations; leveraging Green Motion’s software expertise and history of success in creating and operating networks for ground-based EV’s.
Ivo Boscarol, Founder and president of Pipistrel commented: “I am dedicating my life to contributing to a cleaner atmosphere and emission-free aviation. Type certifying the first all-electric airplane was the
necessary step towards this goal. As part of the endeavor, Pipistrel was forced to develop and produce almost everything in house, including the chargers. However, to assure a significant change to cleaner atmosphere, widespread use of electric aircraft is a must, and we need to spread the network of chargers to airports all over the world. This cannot be achieved by Pipistrel alone, but with a skilled and distinguished partner as Green Motion, this becomes a reality. I am happy that our SkyCharge stations will grow further with its potential into a common new brand SkyCharge by Green Motion and Pipistrel, to offer electric aircraft users a breakthrough, connected and a turn key service all over the world”.
François Randin, Founder and CEO of Green Motion said, “Green Motion has worked on electric airplane and UAM charging solutions for over two years. We see the beginning of this new market like we did more than 11 years ago with electric cars. After being a pioneer for electric cars, we are now a trail blazer in electric aircrafts charging too. That is why we are so proud and honoured to partner with Pipistrel, a world-renowned aircraft producer which has complementary technology and mindset to ours, so we can define the future of electric planes together.”
Why it’s important: Pipistrel and Green Motion, two companies with revolutionary ideas and cutting-edge electric solutions, are now putting their world class engineering teams together to shape and define the future of electric planes. Together, they hope to deliver the best flight experiences possible through reducing the cost, carbon emissions, and noise pollution of general aviation flight. The eventual goal of these companies is to establish a universal technology network across all airports and vertiports for electric flight, which may lead to a worldwide standard in electric airplane charging in the near future.
Source // Pipistrel press release
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