A review of current technology and research in urban on-demand air mobility applications

Conference paper (2019)

Authors

Nicholas Polaczyk Iowa State University
Enzo Trombino Iowa State University
Peng Wei Iowa State University
M.A. Mitici Air Transport & Operations - Aerospace Engineering
Research Group
Air Transport & Operations (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2019 Nicholas Polaczyk, Enzo Trombino, Peng Wei, M.A. Mitici
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Control & Operations

Research Group

Air Transport & Operations

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to summarize the current technology and challenges facing the market for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban on-demand air mobility applications. This report has two parts. The first part reviews existing electric drones for on-demand air mobility services for human transportation and package delivery drones. In this section, eVTOL projects are classified and compared by design parameters, specifications, and performance. While electric aircraft are the primary focus, some hybrid-electric and gas-powered aircraft will be used for comparison purposes. The second component reviews research publications discussing optimization and urban strategies for these aircraft. Challenges currently facing the industry are also discussed. These challenges include battery technology, efficiency, and safety. In this section, applications of eVTOL technology and future development are also reviewed.