Airspace deregulation for UAM: Self-organizing VTOLs in metropoles

Abstract

Small-scale aviation has been driven extensively by recent technological developments. Distinct micro/small scale mobility modes are being interlined, where automated Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft (VTOLs) are being conceptualized for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in the form of air taxi, cargo, disaster relief, or medical help. This implicates many simultaneous flights over cities, which is a significant challenge. Traditional air traffic control is customized for commercial aviation, and it is not suitable for the dynamic variation in the flight routes of UAM. Consequently, a literature review is conducted firstly for air traffic management subject to UAM. Then, as a critical finding, a self-organizing model integrating particularly micro/small scale UAM is proposed utilizing the swarm concept to leverage the autonomous behavior of VTOLs. Rules for self-organization are set, which are then discussed in conjunction with available technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Finally, the basic concept definition is elaborated to determine challenges and future research.