Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Coventry Uni helps Uber develop eVTOL

Coventry University is helping Uber Elevate develop electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) which could be in the skies by 2020.


Courtesy Coventry University

The university has been recognised as a 'collaborative partner' on Uber Elevate’s plans to launch eVTOL, sometimes referred to as ‘flying taxis’.

The Uber Elevates project is developing the new type of aircraft to transport people on four-person ridesharing flights in major cities worldwide. Its aim is to help reduce road traffic congestion and pollution.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle

The proposed design models for potential eVTOL use battery technology and electric propulsion, lightweight composite materials and have stacked propellers.

They are dramatically quieter, safer, more affordable and more environmentally-friendly than conventional aircraft or helicopters.

They are scheduled for demonstration flights by 2020.

Academics and students from Coventry University’s research institute for Future Transport and Cities (FTC) have examined the safety of some of the models being designed as part of the Uber project.

They identified and analysed potential hazards of the aircraft, such as motor or structural failure, fire risks and battery problems.

They worked with their counterparts from Georgia Tech University, in Atlanta, USA and presented their “positive findings” at the 2018 Uber Elevate Summit.

It was at this conference where Coventry University was recognised as a “collaborating partner”.


Courtesy Coventry University

Uber is developing multiple common reference models to understand and evaluate a variety of vertical takeoff and landing concepts, and technologies. Sharing these models will allow for more cohesive technology development across the industry and will serve as a virtual testbed for the integration of technologies that are rideshare friendly.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Coventry University will continue to share ideas and research with Uber as the Uber Elevates project progresses. Staff and students are also embarking on a series of other projects relating to the concept of urban air taxis. They are analysing transport, ergonomic, interior and propeller design, as well as the sound engineering and people’s attitude towards the vehicles.

Much of this work is being carried out at the university’s National Transport Design Centre, using its state-of-the-art transport research facilities which opened at Coventry University’s Technology Park last year.

Dr Mike Bromfield, a flight safety researcher at Coventry University, said: “Our daily commute is going to transform and we may be given the ultimate commuting choice to drive, ride or fly.

“These vehicles are not just the subject of science fiction films – they could be flying above our cities in the next decade. But there are many hurdles to overcome before that point.

“Safety is paramount and we have to thoroughly understand the functional hazards that could result in a failure of these vehicles.  We must reassure both commuters and aviation authorities that these are safe before we move commuting in our major cities to the skies.

“It is fantastic to have been recognised as a collaborating partner by such as forward-thinking and innovative company as Uber. We’re looking forward to continuing on this exciting journey with them.

Mark Moore, Uber’s director of aviation engineering, said: “The closer we get to moving riders by way of eVTOL technologies, the more important it becomes to advance the state of the art for these aircraft.

“Our existing partners are experts in their respective fields, and it’s our job to equip them with the tools and resources needed to make urban aviation transit a reality.

“I’m incredibly proud of that Uber has embraced a collaborative approach towards advancing the Elevate ecosystem, and am even more proud to be working tightly with partners while also encouraging non-partners to adopt community friendly vehicles so that we can collectively make this technology a reality in the near future.”

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
MP backs aerospace and defence sectors

Aerospace Defence

MP backs aerospace and defence sectors

2 October 2025

A Labour MP has backed the aerospace and defence sectors and wants them to be ‘as successful as possible’.

IFS appoints Mihita Podobnik as Chief People Officer

Aerospace Defence

IFS appoints Mihita Podobnik as Chief People Officer

1 October 2025

IFS today announced the appointment of Mihita Podobnik as Chief People Officer, succeeding Debra McCowan, who is stepping down from her role as Chief Human Resources Officer.

Bristol Airport breaks its monthly passenger record

Aerospace

Bristol Airport breaks its monthly passenger record

30 September 2025

Bristol Airport has reported its busiest month ever with more than 1.2 million customers using the Airport in August, with many travelling on more fuel efficient and quieter aircraft.

NPAS helps crackdown on hare coursing across county borders

Aerospace Security

NPAS helps crackdown on hare coursing across county borders

29 September 2025

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Essex Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary in a renewed, coordinated effort to tackle hare coursing and associated rural crime under Operation Galileo.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Birmingham Airport employment scheme secures impressive results

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport employment scheme secures impressive results

29 September 2025

A Birmingham Airport (BHX) employment initiative for young care experienced adults has resulted in 50% of participants securing paid employment at the regional transport hub.

Windracers makes history with UK’s first international civil drone approval

Aerospace Defence Security

Windracers makes history with UK’s first international civil drone approval

26 September 2025

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today approved Windracers, a British civil and defence drone manufacturer, to conduct the UK’s first civil unmanned aerial system (UAS) international operation.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle