Brazil’s EmbraerX has launched its concept for an urban air mobility UTM system.
Flight Plan 2030 describes a Urban ATM solution that will enable the UAM industry to evolve to a future where eVTOL flights are a mainstream mode of transportation. “We believe an urban traffic management solution must provide shared situation awareness for all stakeholders, enable equitable airspace access, minimize risk, optimize airspace use, and provide flexible and adaptable airspace structures,” says the company.
According to EmbraerX:
“We envision that a single entity, an urban airspace service provider (UASP), will be responsible for managing low-altitude urban air traffic. In close collaboration with ATM, USSs, and UATM stakeholders, the UASP will deliver a suite of services. It will also manage traffic in the cruise phase of flight as aircraft operate between skyports. However, unlike ATM operations, the UASP will not control traffic movements on or above skyports.
“As the single authority for managing the urban airspace on a daily basis, the UASP will have authority to open and close routes, grant flight authorizations, and execute a single, integrated flow management plan. The UASP will collect, analyze, and exchange airspace and flight information to support safe operations. When an emergency or off-nominal situation arises during flight, the UASP will have human operators who will communicate with pilots and fleet operators to guide aircraft to safety. We envision that a single entity, an urban airspace service provider (UASP), will be responsible for managing low-altitude urban air traffic. Each city and/or country will have a different approach for creating a UASP depending on the ANSP, regulations, policies, strategies, and resources. Some countries may decide that the ANSP should extend its current role and manage the low-altitude urban airspace. Other countries or states may decide to assign UASP responsibility for each city to a third party. Implementation will inevitably differ between countries, and allocation of authority to a UASP will vary across a spectrum. Nonetheless, a central authority is needed for managing the UATM airspace of each urban area and ensuring that traffic flows safely and efficiently using a single flow management plan.”
The six main urban UTM services envisaged by the company are:
FOUNDATIONAL SERVICES
- AIRSPACE AND PROCEDURE DESIGN Creating urban airspace routes, corridors, and procedures Pre-planning routes, corridors, airspace boundaries, and procedures for safety and environmental concerns, while maximizing use of airspace to enable the UAM industry to thrive
- INFORMATION EXCHANGE Exchanging airspace and flight information with all stakeholders Sharing information with all stakeholders in UATM and adjacent airspace management systems, such as ATM and UTM; providing critical information to enable operational services
OPERATIONAL SERVICES
- FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION Authorizing registered aircraft and pilots for flight in UATM airspace Receiving flight requests, identifying optimal routes, and assigning 4-D flight requirements before authorizing a flight for UATM operations
- FLOW MANAGEMENT Spacing aircraft to maintain the integrity of the UATM operation Managing the volume of traffic and assigning metering times to ensure safe spacing of aircraft
- DYNAMIC AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT Managing routes, corridors, and airspace boundaries dynamically Shifting pre-planned routes, corridors, and geofenced areas when flight restrictions are activated; moving, opening, and closing routes in response to flow management needs, ATM needs, and changing weather conditions
- CONFORMANCE MONITORING Ensuring flights conform to flight and assisting pilots during off-nominal situations Monitoring all traffic to maintain safety and provide guidance for any deviations; giving emergency aircraft immediate assistance and activating airspace.
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