All posts by : Abhra

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions will only continue to grow. Advanced air mobility, including eSTOL and eVTOL technologies, is poised to meet this demand, transforming the way we travel and transport goods.

According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global advanced air mobility market is projected to reach $14.4 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2020 to 2027. This rapid growth is attributed to factors such as increasing environmental awareness, rising demand for faster and more efficient transportation, and advancements in electric propulsion technology.

Key Players in Advanced Air Mobility

Several companies are at the forefront of developing and commercializing eSTOL and eVTOL technologies. Some notable players include:

1. Joby Aviation: Joby Aviation is a California-based startup that has developed an eVTOL aircraft designed for short-distance flights. Their aircraft uses electric motors and a rotor to take off and land vertically, and can fly at speeds of up to 200 mph. 
2. Lilium Aviation: Lilium Aviation is a German startup that has developed an eVTOL aircraft designed for on-demand air taxi service. Their aircraft uses 36 rotors to take off and land vertically, and can fly at speeds of up to 250 mph. 
3. Vertical Aerospace: Vertical Aerospace is a UK-based startup that has developed an eSTOL aircraft designed for short-haul flights. Their aircraft uses electric motors and a wing-in-ground effect to take off and land vertically, and can fly at speeds of up to 150 mph. 
4. Xwing: Xwing is a US-based startup that has developed an eSTOL aircraft designed for regional airline service. Their aircraft uses electric motors and a high-aspect ratio wing to take off and land vertically, and can fly at speeds of up to 200 mph. 

Challenges and Opportunities

While advanced air mobility holds great promise, several challenges must be addressed before these technologies can become mainstream. These challenges include:

1. Regulation: Current regulations governing aviation are largely focused on traditional helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. New regulatory frameworks must be developed to accommodate eSTOL and eVTOL aircraft. 
2. Safety: Ensuring the safety of eSTOL and eVTOL aircraft is paramount. Companies must demonstrate the reliability and redundancy of their systems to gain public trust. 
3. Infrastructure: Existing airports and helipads may require modifications to accommodate eSTOL and eVTOL aircraft. New infrastructure, such as charging stations and maintenance facilities, must also be built. 
4. Public Acceptance: The public may be hesitant to adopt new forms of air transportation, especially those that use electric propulsion. Education and awareness campaigns may be necessary to increase public understanding and acceptance. 

Despite these challenges, advanced air mobility presents numerous opportunities for innovation, growth, and sustainability. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a cleaner, more efficient, and more accessible transportation system for the future.

Conclusion

Advanced air mobility, led by eSTOL and eVTOL technologies, is poised to transform the aviation industry and change the way we travel. With its potential to reduce emissions, decrease traffic congestion, and increase accessibility, advanced air mobility is an exciting and promising field. By supporting innovation and research, addressing regulatory and safety concerns, and educating the public, we can ensure that advanced air mobility reaches its full potential and creates a brighter future for generations to come.

Electra, a pioneering electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) manufacturer and the result of a previous eSTOL independent manufacturer merger, has made headlines by reaching another remarkable milestone – 2,000 pre-orders for its state-of-the-art aircraft. This accomplishment solidifies Electra’s position in the advanced air mobility (AAM) eSTOL segment market. But what does this mean for the industry, and how did Electra overcome the challenges it faced to achieve this feat? Let’s explore these questions and examine the current landscape of AAM.

1. A Brief Overview of what an eSTOL Does

ESTOLs hold the potential of taking off and landing in relatively very short runways, potentially on building tops. While we don’t foresee them landing on city skyscrappers, warehouse-to-warehouse delivery is a tentalizing potential for these electric aircraft able to deliver last-minute goods. Out of the two primary segments vying for dominance in AAM – electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and eSTOL, eSTOL stand to get started quicker since regulatory bodies have a good grasp on certifying fixed wings aircraft. Add to this the potential dfor both of these aircraft confirguration to find niche segments in the Urban air mobility (UAM) and regional air mobility (RAM) market each focusing on intracity and intercity transportation, respectively, and the potential becomes even more alluring.

2. Electra’s Journey to Success

Electra’s path to achieving 2,000 pre-orders was not without obstacles. The company faced competition and technical challenges. Our conversations with Marc Ausman, Chief Product Officer at Electra.aero ( https://www.electra.aero/ ) revealed how incredibly sophisticated the Electra eSTOL is and how it can fly at night and in icy situation, among a few. 

Electra’s patented technology allows for increased lift and reduced drag, enabling its eSTOL aircraft to take off and land in tithgt spots while offering superior range and speed compared to traditional helicopters. Additionally, Electra’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

3. What Does This Mean for the Industry?

Electra’s success with eSTOL pre-orders highlights the growing interest in this particular segment of AAM cargo and passenger space. As the technology continues to advance and public desiability increases, eSTOL aircraft offer several advantages, such as increased safety, greater range and speed, reduced noise due to its electric propulsion platform and, of course, sustainability: Electric propulsion significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the increasing emphasis on environmentally responsible transportation options. 

Many of us feel eSTOLs are the workhorse of AAM, catering to cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue operations, and passenger travel.

Electra’s achievement of 2,000 eSTOL pre-orders underscores the growing confidence in this technology and highlights the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of advanced air mobility. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that eSTOL aircraft will play a vital role in reshaping the future of air travel. With its innovative design, commitment to sustainability, and growing customer base, Electra is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and remain at the forefront of AAM. Whether you’re an enthusiast, investor, or simply curious, AAM is revolutionizing the way we move in the air.

Here are some relevant links for you to read more on this topic:

• Electra Aero: <https://www.electra.aero/> 
• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): <https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/advanced_air_mobility/> 
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM): <https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/>  

Regional Air Mobility (RAM): <https://www.regionalairmobility.org/>

The advanced aerial mobility (AAM) sector is rapidly gaining momentum, with millions of dollars invested in infrastructure. According to Professor Dame Helen Atkinson, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the School of Aerospace, Transport Systems and Manufacturing at Cranfield University ( https://www.aerosociety.com/news/future-of-flight-lifts-off-in-london/ ), AAM is “on the verge of a once-in-a-lifetime generation disruption of the transportation sector.” With over £8bn of investment capital in platform development alone, the race to revolutionize the way we travel is heating up.

1. The Global Market for AAM

The global AAM market is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 82.1%. According to a report by GlobeNewswire, the global vertiport market, which includes infrastructure for takeoff and landing, is expected to explode at a CAGR of 82.1%, presenting lucrative trends and business opportunities.

2. Investment in Platform Development

Platform development is a crucial aspect of the AAM sector, with many companies vying for a spot in the market. According to a report by OpenPR, the global advanced aerial mobility market is projected to reach millions of dollars by 2027, driven by increasing investment in platform development. With so much money being poured into the development of new platforms, it’s clear that the race to revolutionize transportation is on.

3. The Future of Flight

The future of flight looks bright, with AAM promising to transform the way we travel. Imagine flying over traffic jams, skipping lengthy commutes, and reducing carbon footprint. AAM has the potential to do just that, making it an attractive option for those looking for a greener, more convenient mode of transportation.

Studies have shown that AAM can provide significant benefits across metropolitan areas. According to a study by Future Flight, big paybacks are expected for urban air mobility across Los Angeles metropolis. The study found that AAM can reduce traffic congestion, improve productivity, and create jobs, among other benefits.

4. Challenges and Opportunities

While there are certainly challenges ahead for the AAM sector, the opportunities are vast. One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is regulation. Governments must create new regulations to govern the use of AAM vehicles, ensuring safety and security while allowing for innovation and growth. Another challenge is public acceptance, as people may be hesitant to adopt new modes of transportation. However, education and awareness campaigns can go a long way in alleviating concerns and increasing adoption rates.

Another opportunity for the AAM sector lies in its potential impact on climate change. Traditional modes of transportation emit harmful greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. AAM vehicles, on the other hand, are electric, producing zero emissions. Widespread adoption of AAM could lead to a reduction in carbon footprint, helping combat climate change.

The AAM sector is on the verge of a once-in-a-lifetime generation disruption, with millions of dollars being invested in platform development and infrastructure. The future of flight looks bright, with AAM promising to transform the way we travel. While challenges lie ahead, the opportunities are vast, and widespread adoption of AAM could lead to a reduction in carbon footprint, helping combat climate change. The race to revolutionize transportation is on, and it’s clear that AAM is here to stay.

Here are more relevant links and information to get you up to speed:

https://www.openpr.com/news/3275101/global-advanced-aerial-mobility-market-is-projected-to-reach

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/11/01/2771045/0/en/Global-Vertiports-Market-to-Explode-at-82-1-CAGR-Lucrative-Trends-and-Business-Opportunities-Unveiled.html

In a major breakthrough for the advancement of air mobility, Joby Aviation has secured an exclusive six-year deal with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate by early 2026. The agreement, signed at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, grants Joby the rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, with initial operations targeted to begin as early as 2025.

Under the agreement, Joby will work closely with Skyports, who will design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai. The launch locations for Dubai’s air taxi service have been identified as Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown.

Joby’s aircraft, which was showcased in the region for the first time at the World Governments Summit, is capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. The company expects the journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah to take just 10 minutes, significantly reducing travel time compared to the 45-minute drive by car.

The agreement between Joby, Skyports, and the RTA marks a significant milestone for the advancement of air mobility, providing a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for residents and visitors to Dubai. JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed his excitement about partnering with the government of Dubai to bring sustainable air travel to the forefront.

“Today’s landmark agreement delivers on all three ingredients required to successfully launch an air taxi service – a definitive path to operations, well-placed infrastructure supported by dedicated partners, and an aircraft with the capacity and range to deliver meaningful journeys,” Bevirt said. “We’re looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.”

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors for RTA, echoed Bevirt’s sentiments, stating that the air taxi service is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transportation technologies and offer a novel and efficient mobility option for Dubai’s residents and visitors.

The collaboration between Joby, Skyports, and the RTA is seen as a significant step towards realizing the vision of advanced air mobility (AAM), which seeks to revolutionize the way people travel by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative business models. With the backing of prominent investors such as Toyota and Intel, Joby Aviation is well-positioned to lead the charge in making AAM a reality.

The exclusive six-year deal between Joby and the RTA raises questions about the role of government support in fostering the growth of AAM. While some argue that government involvement is essential to facilitate the transition to new modes of transportation, others believe that the private sector should take the lead in driving innovation and adoption.

Regardless of one’s position on the matter, there is no denying that the partnership between Joby, Skyports, and the RTA marks a significant step forward for AAM. As the technology continues to evolve and gain traction, it is likely that we will see similar collaborations emerge in other regions, paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.

Via: https://ir.jobyaviation.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/87/joby-to-launch-air-taxi-service-in-uae

With all the hate around flying, destruction of private plans, and a movement without a clear leader, it’s difficult to make sense of what the protestors are demonstrating.

1. AAM – Sustainability: The Emission Footprint

The recent backlash against private jets and the call for sustainable practices in the aviation industry have sparked a much-needed conversation about the impact of human activities on the environment. However, the discussion has largely focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, neglecting the broader spectrum of harmful emissions.

2. The Tricky Business of Measuring Emissions

Measuring the scope of carbon emissions is a complex task, as highlighted in a Bloomberg article ( Measuring the scope of carbon emission is notoriously tricky, as this Bloomberg article https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-14/why-the-scope-of-carbon-emissions-is-hard-to-gauge-quicktake?cmpid=BBD012224_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=240122&utm_campaign=greendaily ) . The process is susceptible to manipulation, and the actual impact of emissions can be obscured by creative accounting methods. Moreover, the focus on CO2 emissions alone can distract from the larger picture of environmental damage caused by human activities.

3. The Real Culprit: Maritime Industry

While the spotlight shines brightly on private jets and air travel, the maritime industry quietly reigns supreme as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The sector accounts for approximately 60% of global transportation emissions, with the majority coming from container ships and tankers. The colossal carbon footprint of the maritime industry dwarfs that of air travel, yet it receives significantly less attention.

4. Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas: A Case Study

The recently launched Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, exemplifies the paradox of modern luxury travel. Boasting impressive dimensions and amenities, the vessel consumes vast amounts of energy, resulting in substantial emissions. According to a Bloomberg analysis (  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-22/royal-caribbean-s-icon-of-the-seas-highlights-climate-impact-of-cruises?cmpid=BBD012224_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=240122&utm_campaign=greendaily ), a person taking a 1,200-mile cruise on the most efficient cruise line would produce roughly double the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as flying and staying in a four-star hotel.

The irony lies in the fact that cruise ships often sail at near capacity, indicating that passengers prioritize space and comfort over sustainability. Furthermore, the majority of cruise ship passengers fly to embarkation ports, thereby compounding their carbon footprint.

The International Council on Clean Transportation examined https://theicct.org/marine-cruising-flying-may22/ in 2022, the carbon footprint of cruising as compared to a hotel stay plus air travel fr further reference. 

5. A Call for Holistic Solutions

STAX Technologies’ ( https://www.staxengineering.com/ ) Bob Sharp offers valuable insights into the intricacies of measuring emissions and proposes solutions to mitigate the negative effects of maritime transport ( https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-09/california-ports-of-long-beach-and-los-angeles-deploy-air-pollution-capture-tech?cmpid=BBD020924_GREENDAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=240209&utm_campaign=greendaily ). By addressing the root causes of pollution and promoting holistic approaches to sustainability, we can move beyond the narrow focus on CO2 emissions and tackle the broader challenge of environmental protection.

6. China’s Continued Dominance in EV Market

While the Western world exhibits signs of cooling interest in electric vehicles (EVs), China continues to assert its dominance in the market. The country is on track to exceed 50% market share for new vehicles in the next 18 months, according to data from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

This development coincides with alarming reports that the planet has already surpassed 1.5°C warming and may reach 2°C within the decade. The urgent need for sustainable transformations across industries cannot be ignored.

The debate surrounding private jets and sustainability must expand to include the entire gamut of harmful emissions and environmentally detrimental practices. By acknowledging the magnitude of the maritime industry’s impact and adopting comprehensive strategies for reduction, we can work towards a greener future. The time for selective attention and half measures has passed; the clock demands concerted action.

#EVs #ev #electricdrive #climate #climateimpact

Breaking News

At CES 2024, Hyundai’s Supernal brand showcased its latest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the S-A2 ( https://www.supernal.aero/aircraft/ ), marking a significant step forward in the company’s mission to revolutionize urban air mobility. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the S-A1, the S-A2 promises to deliver enhanced performance, efficiency, and safety features.

1. Evolution of Design

The S-A2 maintains the sleek and futuristic design of the S-A1, but with noticeable improvements. The V-tail configuration remains, but the new model sports a larger cabin to accommodate four passengers, in addition to the pilot. According to Supernal, the S-A2 is designed for “typical city operations,” with a top speed of 120 miles per hour and a maximum altitude of 1,500 feet.

2. Quiet and Environmentally Friendly

One of the standout features of the S-A2 is its impressively low noise level. Supernal claims that the aircraft produces only 65 decibels during vertical take-off and landing, roughly equivalent to the sound of a dishwasher. While cruising horizontally, the noise level drops to an astonishing 45 decibels, making it an extremely neighbor-friendly option for urban transportation.

3. Distributed Electric Propulsion

The S-A2 employs a distributed electric propulsion architecture, which incorporates eight all-tilting rotors. Not only does this design contribute to the aircraft’s remarkable silence, but it also enhances stability and control during flight. Supernal assures that the S-A2’s propulsion system is both efficient and safe, with the capability to handle 25 to 40 mile trips initially.

4. Interior Modularity and Battery Upgradability

As Supernal moves towards Type Certification, the company is placing increased emphasis on interior modularity and battery upgradability. These features will enable the S-A2 to adapt to diverse customer requirements and evolving technological advancements. The modular design allows for effortless customization of the cabin, ensuring that the aircraft can cater to various passenger needs and comfort levels.

5. Vertiport Innovation

Alongside the S-A2, Supernal also showcased its cutting-edge vertiport design at CES 2024. The large, bold structure is specifically crafted to accommodate the unique demands of eVTOL aircraft. While the vertiport’s practicality may raise questions, Supernal’s commitment to innovation and problem-solving is undeniable. As the company continues to push the boundaries of urban air mobility, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the future.

Hyundai’s Supernal S-A2 eVTOL aircraft is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. With its enhanced performance capabilities, reduced noise pollution, and environmentally friendly design, the S-A2 represents a significant leap forward in urban air mobility. As Supernal continues to refine its technology and push towards Type Certification, the skies are set to welcome a new era of cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation.

6. Noise, Acoustics, and More

Analysis of noise distributions at heliports and vertiports: A guide for site selection and land use planning. https://www.jairm.org/index.php/jairm/article/view/403

7. Electra Surpassed 2,000 eSTOL Pre-Orders

That’s it for electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) manufacturer Electra that has reached the symbolic 2,000 pre-order bar. And that’s a tall order considering the company’s interesting past.

If you are not aware of the potential of eSTOL, let us bend your ear. In the highly complex world of crystal ball guessing where the advanced air mobility (AAM) is heading, two competing segments are vying for the leading role. Electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) versus electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), and urban air mobility (UAM) versus regional air mobility, we’ll call RAM. The potentials couldn’t be more different and still somehow overlap.