Boeing and its joint venture partner Wisk have released a roadmap for how automated and un-crewed aircraft can safely carry passengers and cargo in urban areas.

The concept of operations lays out the technology, regulatory and social recommendations needed to deploy Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in the United States and integrate it into the national airspace system.

“We’re working to enable a future of aerospace that is safe, sustainable and at scale. Uncrewed operations will be fundamental to realising that vision, and we have to exceed the current safety standards for the air transportation system,” said Brian Yutko, Boeing vice president and chief engineer of sustainability and future mobility.

Safe and affordable

The concept of operations begins by proposing bedrock principles for urban air mobility, including that flights should be safe and affordable for everyone.

Additionally, the aircraft would be automated to reduce the load on air traffic controllers and pilots, and they would fly day or night under visual or instrument flight rules, and be supported by automated onboard and ground-based systems.

“The important work we’re sharing today provides a stepping stone in the advancement of UAM in the U.S. and the world,” said Gary Gysin, CEO of Wisk, which has been working to bring to market the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the US.

“The vision we have outlined is the result of many years of collaboration with Boeing, the FAA, Nasa and key industry stakeholders. As a result, this document offers the most comprehensive framework proposed to date with a vision for enabling UAM in the national airspace. Wisk is committed to deliver, with its partners, on this vision,” said Gysin.
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