Urban-Air Port is developing Vertiport for aircraft

concept: The British startup Urban-Air Port has developed Air-One, a vertiport for manned and unmanned vehicles in Coventry. It is said to be the world’s first fully operational multimodal infrastructure hub for managing future electric air travel, such as flying taxis and autonomous delivery drones.

Nature of the interference: Air-One is a radial vertiport with an area of ​​1579 m2, which is equipped with a passenger lounge, pop-up windows for retail, a cafe and areas for logistics hubs for cargo. It also includes a hydrogen-air hangar for vehicles, a security check and a command and control center. The patented 56-foot circular platform for final approach and take-off (FATO) supports areas that rise 19 feet in the air with a compact and synchronized lifting system. Future take-offs and landings of electric vehicles (eVTOL) could be improved as a result. The port claims to have a physical footprint that is 60% smaller than a regular heliport. The sites can be set up in a matter of days, meet zero-carbon standards and can be operated completely off-grid. As the air mobility industry expands, the design allows for easy relocation of the vertiport. Thanks to the design capabilities, the sites look good for effective disaster emergency management. Drones and other eVTOLs can be quickly deployed from city airports to collect and transfer emergency supplies, equipment and personnel where needed.

Outlook: The Air-One was developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, Coventry City Council and the UK Government to illustrate the potential of urban air mobility in the UK and around the world. The solution has the potential to clear congestion, reduce pollution and contribute to a zero-carbon future. Can be combined with electric cars and environmentally friendly public transport. In response to global demand, the startup plans to build more than 200 zero-emission facilities worldwide over the next five years. Local authorities, including emergency services, logistics operators and the military, can use vertiports. Urban-Air Port was one of 48 initiatives funded by the UK government worth $ 315 million as a “challenge for future flights”, along with the private sector. US-based intelligent mobility service provider Supernal has partnered with the startup. Hyundai’s all-electric eight-rotor concept vehicle, a subsidiary of Supernal, is on display at Air-One, which must be certified by 2024 before it can go into full production.

This article was originally published in Verdict.co.uk