EALU-AER is a technology integration and demonstration project, establishing Ireland’s first Digital Sky Demonstrator at FMCI’s vertiport in Shannon. It aims to test and refine eVTOL operations, urban and rural air mobility services, and unmanned air traffic management (UTM).
Context
This project aims to integrate a UTM technology platform as part of the FMCI operations site. It will leverage integrated UTM technology solutions that encompass a UAS platform (WebUAS), a backhaul network (AGN), Command and Control (C2) and Surveillance equipment, and advanced three-dimensional phased array radar (Skyler). This technology solution will be integrated as part of FMCI’s vertiport and associated facilities to demonstrate the proposed U-Space architecture operations and enable U1/U2 services and integration with ATM/ATC.
The project demonstrates a range of UAM operations across U-space services projected through the SESAR U-space CONOPS (Concept of Operations). To do so, it executes a number of use-cases that capture the operational requirements, vehicle dynamics, and technology demonstrations associated with the projected near-term UAM services market. These include local inspection, light-freight, long distance logistics, air-taxi operations, and more.
Aim
EALU-AER is a technology infrastructure integration and demonstration project. It aims to establish Ireland’s first Digital Sky Demonstrator, located at Future Mobility Campus Ireland’s vertiport site in Shannon, Ireland.
EALU-AER aims to:
- Prove feasibility, reliability and operational efficiency of transport services provided by various eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff/landing) aircraft for a variety of use cases and applications.
- Foster and accelerate the development of autonomous software solutions for the control, monitoring, data gathering/orchestration and overall interaction and safety of eVTOL aircraft.
- Develop, deploy, and continually test/optimize the use of UAM (urban air mobility), rural/remote air transport/freight delivery, and UTM (unmanned air traffic management) systems in support of eVTOL services.
- Develop, deploy, and refine operational systems in general eVTOL-based services across multiple use cases and political jurisdictions.
- Define possible Separation Standards Aircraft and UAVs in Controlled Airspace (CAS) through partnership with IAA ANSP (future AirNav Ireland).
Key Figures
Project Funding: €5,553,000.00
EU Contribution: €2,776 500.00
Additional information
Website: EALU-AER
Participating Partners
• Future Mobility Campus Ireland (Coordinator)
• Deep Blue
• Údaras Eitliochta na hÉireann / The Irish Aviation Authority
• Collins Aerospace Ireland
• Shannnon Airport Authority
• Avtrain Ltd
Funding
• Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
• SESAR Programme
Digital European Sky
Topic: CEF-T-2021-SIMOBGEN-SESAR-DSDU-WORKS
Thematic Pillars
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM)
• Autonomous Drones & AI Navigation
• Advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM)