The dawn of the jet age was the last big pivotal moment in aviation, as the industry is still largely using configurations developed in the 1950s. Electrical propulsion systems have the potential to usher in a new era of urban air mobility (UAM) built around climate-neutral aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. That transformation will be driven by digitalization.
Overview
Aircraft configurations developed at the dawn of the jet age are still with us today. With the development of electrical propulsion systems for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), the next pivotal moment appears finally to be on the horizon. VTOL already exists in the form of helicopters, but their market growth potential is limited. The comparative advantages of eVTOL systems raise the potential for market disruption and the dawn of a new, green era of urban air mobility (UAM). Key to this transformation into will be the digitalization of the design, build and verification of electrical propulsion systems, using digital twin solutions targeting certification that will essentially enable aircraft to be flown before they are built.
Key Takeaways
- Pivotal moments in aviation include the first motorized flight, the development of commercial aircraft and the dawn of the jet age, which produced aircraft configurations still in use today
- Electrical propulsion systems for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) point the way to the next transformation
- VTOL already exists in the form of helicopters, but market growth potential is limited by their mechanical complexity and cost of operation
- In addition to being less expensive, electrical VTOL (eVTOL) aircraft are quieter, safer and more reliable than helicopters, raising the potential for market disruption and paving the way to a new, green era of urban air mobility (UAM)
- Siemens helps customers develop UAM systems through digitalization, with the goal of enabling aircraft to be flown before they are built
Speaker
Olbrechts joined Siemens Digital Industries Software in 1996. Since 2000, Olbrechts has been responsible for Siemens simulation and test business development and go-to-market strategies for the aviation, space and defense industry segments.