Volocopter presents VoloPort and aims to accelerate UAM infrastructure

The Bruchsal-based Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter has introduced a comprehensive manual for the VoloPort, which is designed to represent the physical infrastructure for electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The detailed manual is intended to facilitate Volocopter partners in building a UAM infrastructure and describes the design, construction, used materials, adaptability of the infrastructure, and facility operations. The content is derived from numerous direct cooperation projects with authorities, aviation operators, institutions, and partners, as well as from their own expertise as developers of eVTOL aircraft, the provider claims. Volocopter’s VoloPort solution presents a ready-to-deploy, compact, and functionally independent vertiport concept that aims to accelerate the development of urban eVTOL infrastructure, promote the introduction of public Urban Air Mobility, and expand an ecosystem in megacities.

The VoloPort can be modified quickly and cost-effectively and adapted to different needs, target groups, and aviation operators, the start-up asserts. The spatial requirement is minimal, particularly in densely populated cities. The modular design is intended to combine prefabricated materials, ensuring construction on an area of just 25m x 25m (625 sqm, about the size of two tennis courts) while guaranteeing a safe and convenient space for eVTOL operators and passengers. Additional landing pads and work areas can be constructed if necessary.

“Thanks to collaboration with our partners and our internal expertise, we can demonstrate how we shape the UAM ecosystem with tangible solutions on the infrastructure side,” explains Florian Reuter, Volocopter Chief Executive Officer.

A ground infrastructure network is crucial for the development of eVTOL aircraft. The provider pursues the development of both sides of the ecosystem: aircraft and infrastructure, similar to Tesla's model with electric automobiles. Since the first vertiport concept was introduced in Singapore in 2019, they have been working closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to provide and receive guidance in developing UAM infrastructure. They also cooperate with several civil aviation authorities such as the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE), ASTM International, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) to advance the development of standardized vertiports worldwide. In the design and functionality of the VoloPort manual, they also collaborated with industry-leading partners and architects, it is further reported.