source: University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is developing simulation tools and operational processes that will improve the affordability and safety of future vertical lift vehicles, also known as urban air mobility aircraft. As one of six research teams awarded a NASA University Leadership Initiative (ULI) grant, South Carolina will play an integral role in developing these aircraft of the future.
UofSC is partnering with the project’s lead university, Georgia Institute of Technology, through this three-year, $5.3 million grant. Alongside Georgia Tech’s expertise in kinematics and configuration, South Carolina’s expertise in advanced materials, digital transformation, and predictive maintenance will create a cost-effective working protype of a vertical lift aircraft. The hope is that one day, these vehicles will work like “air taxis” or “air ambulances” — decreasing urban congestion during rush hour or helping respond to emergencies, like hurricanes.
“This is adding another way of transportation,” says Abdel Bayoumi, the director of UofSC’s McNair Aerospace Center and South Carolina’s principal investigator on the project. “After this grant’s three years, we will have a working prototype that could be tested. Then it will go through beta testing, commercialization and so on. This will be when we are really starting to add more means for transportation.”