NASA is looking into the future, seeing taxis flying into the skies and drone deliveries becoming more widespread and advanced.
The space agency is currently developing a system to make medical and emergency drones and air taxis soaring over traffic a reality. This brand-new mode of transportation is called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
Vast Potential of AAM
NASA detailed in its news release the vast potential of its AAM system. It claims that it can help in firefighting missions, disaster relief operations, and medical transport for people and supplies around the world.
The space agency is also researching how it can advance the capabilities of its automation software that will manage flight paths, avoid collisions with other vehicles, and execute other necessary tasks in congested airspace.
Most of the AAM aircraft designs will be electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOLS). This means that they can take off and land vertically just like helicopters.
NASA is also looking into how these vertiplexes, which are a collection of vertiports close to one another, will fit into the current infrastructure.
AAM is expected to open up a new dimension of space that can be used for travel above conventional airplanes as well as ground-level vehicles like buses, autos, and trains.
Hence, the space agency is looking into ways that AAM could reduce traffic-related commutes, improve the sustainability of travel, and shorten road journeys.
It is also creating design tools that AAM aircraft producers can use to lessen the noise produced by their aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will use data from NASA testing to identify and enhance flying pathways.
Air Traffic Management
New air traffic management systems must be created by government and industry partners so that new types of aircraft can safely fly alongside existing aircraft, according to NASA.
Furthermore, FAA must confirm that new aircraft types are safe before allowing them to operate in the area. NASA is examining how this new class of aircraft may be made safe to operate by integrating cutting-edge automation systems.
Designers will need to offer a comfortable passenger experience if they want to develop a market for eVTOLs. NASA's findings will give industry makers design recommendations to ensure passengers have a comfortable ride.
By offering quicker and more environmentally friendly ways to move items, AAM is expected to revolutionize the freight transportation sector. But most importantly, it will introduce a new form of transportation through air travel in both urban and rural settings.
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