Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility, and Diehl Aerospace, a leading supplier of avionics systems and a joint venture between Diehl Aviation and Thales, are further expanding their cooperation.
The contract extension provides for the development and production of an optical splitter to complement the flight control system as well as other components for the battery management system for the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) VoloCity air taxi.
Diehl Aerospace has already developed the Flight Control Computer (FCC) for the VoloCity, including the primary and backup control computers.
Flight control system
The optical splitter complements the flight control system by providing control information to the VoloCity’s eighteen rotors. In contrast to conventional fly-by-wire control systems, the electrical signals from the flight control computer are translated into optical signals and consequently controlled optoelectronically. Instead of electrical signals via copper wires, light signals are now used via corresponding optical fibres.
This so-called Fly-By-Light control is considered to be particularly immune to electromagnetic interference, for example from mobile phones or transmission towers. Interference immunity is a key safety criterion, particularly in view of the VoloCity’s planned flight operations at low altitudes in cities.
In addition, Diehl Aerospace is developing the Data Concentration Unit (DCU) for Volocopter, which is the counterpart to the optical splitter. The DCU collects optical signals from 18 rotors via an optical interface and converts them into digital data for the avionics. This provides the pilot with feedback on the status of engine speed and temperature. With the DCU box, Diehl Aerospace completes the Volocopter’s Fly-By-Light system for the VoloCity.
Battery Management System
“We are excited to further expand our partnership with Volocopter, an innovative pioneer in the UAM market, bringing our many years of experience and expertise in flight control systems to the table,” said Florian Maier, CEO of Diehl Aerospace.
In addition to the flight control system, Diehl will also supply further sub-components for the Battery Management System for monitoring the batteries of the VoloCity. The system provides a platform to manage and monitor the battery packs installed in the aircraft, safeguarding the operation of the all-electric air taxi.
VoloCity features nine battery packs that are replaced and recharged after the flight. In order to monitor the battery status during the flight, the pilot receives all flight-relevant information via a corresponding system, for example on the remaining energy and the possibility to control the power supply.
