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
Farsound RT 2

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 2

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
Advanced Navigation LB 1
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic CEOs to speak at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024

Aerospace

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic CEOs to speak at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024

28 March 2024

Aviation leaders Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic and Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways as keynote speakers at the Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024.

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

Aerospace

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

27 March 2024

Airframe Designs has joined a national industry body to help lead the development of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in the UK.

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

Aerospace Defence Events

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

26 March 2024

Italian aerospace, defence and security firm, Leonardo has secured its presence at the Bahrain International Airshow for the seventh year.

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

Aerospace

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

26 March 2024

Made Smarter and leading technology demonstrators have joined forces to demystify digital transformation with a new white paper.

Advertisement
Farsound RT 2
Britten-Norman secures new investment

Aerospace

Britten-Norman secures new investment

25 March 2024

Britten Norman has secured new investment from a group of investors led by 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”) The new investors are making funds available to Britten-Norman to fund working capital and to drive successful long-term growth.

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

Aerospace

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

25 March 2024

The UK’s disabled flying charity Aerobility has partnered with Lydd Aero Club in Kent to provide opportunities for lessons and experience flights for people living with disabilities, at Kent airport.

Advertisement
Marshall RT