The Future of Flying Car Positioning Systems

Professor Dan Bliss of the Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering School at Arizona State University is helping Airbus with their positioning system for the CityAirbus flying taxi transport. Bliss’ work is focused on utilizing “distributed coherence” in his navigation system, which allows for much greater accuracy in positioning, a critical requirement for the safe operation of flying cars and taxis.

Distributed coherent radar technology (or DDRS) utilizes many small receivers emitting the same waveform that focus on a particular target. The resulting narrow beam is much more accurate than conventional radar systems, although Bliss didn’t comment on a numerical accuracy of the system that he’s working on.

Why it’s important: The navigation technology for flying cars and taxis requires a resolution not seen before with current GPS technology. Professor Dan Bliss’s work with Airbus is seeking to change the state of radar, and much like Raytheon’s new radar system, the technological advancement of the positioning systems industry is surging to support the newfound requirements of flying cars and taxis.

Source:

• http://www.statepress.com/article/2018/04/sppodcast-dorks-estate-aircar
• https://asunow.asu.edu/20180330-discoveries-flying-cars-are-coming-and-theyll-be-autonomous