On November 11, 2021, South Korea demonstrated a system to control urban air mobility vehicles (UAM).

Key Points

• The Urban Air Mobility Vehicles will serve as taxis between major airports and downtown Seoul.
• This project will be functional by 2025 and will cut travel time by two-thirds.
• As per estimates of transport ministry, such services will cut travel time for distances between 30-50 km from an hour to 20 minutes by air.

Background

South Korea had announced a roadmap in 2020 to start commercial urban travel by 2025.

Significance of UAM

UAM is expected to become a common means of transportation which will be used by citizens in daily life.

About UAM

• To demonstrate the control and coordination, pilot flew a two-seat model, which has been made by Germany’s Volocopter at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport.
• The UAM is powered by helicopter-like rotors for vertical take-offs and landings
• Demonstrated aircraft can be operated or piloted autonomously without one.
• When passengers are onboard this aircraft, pilot must man the craft to ensure safety.
• The full-sized prototype is expected to start test flights by 2022.
• Its test flight will start with the aim of developing an operational five-seat version.