HorizonUAM: Operational Challenges and Necessary Frameworks to Ensure Safe and Efficient Vertidrome Operations

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has emerged as a potential game changer for urban transportation, promising faster, more efficient and affordable services. However, beyond the visionary concepts, it is crucial to explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges of UAM and vertidrome operations also from a research perspective. The DLR research project HorizonUAM aimed at a holistic research approach in which vertidromes and vertidrome networks play a significant role. This vertidrome centered project report covers various aspects and methodological approaches addressing design and operation, UAM airspace management, network optimization and the integration of air taxi operations into airport environment. Moreover, the conceptual and temporary development of a modular 1:4 scale model city lays the foundation for future UAM flight trials. Based on three years of dedicated research within HorizonUAM, we focus here on operational challenges, proposed solutions and required frameworks to ensure safe and efficient vertidrome operations