Dassault Systèmes digital twin to help manage world's first vertiport

As demand for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) continues to grow, the startup behind Coventry's first vertiport, which was unveiled earlier this year, has solidified plans to set up a network of vertiports across the globe. 

UK startup Urban-Air Port has forged a new partnership with French aerospace giant Dassault Systèmes (DS) and is planning on using its 3DEXPERIENCE platform to aid in the planning and management of its 65 planned hubs.

Selected as the winner of the UK's Future Flight Challenge Phase 2 back in 2021, the Air One vertiport is set to be the first of its kind in the world, bringing together industry, government and the public to usher in the future of air transportation and urban mobility, all at the hub of industry in the UK - Coventry.

Read more: Coventry to host world's first eVTOL airport

Vertiports allow for the liftoff of drones, air taxis and other kinds of electric aircraft, primarily for use in public transport, but it could also see use in freight and deliveries.

DS's tech is a form of cloud-based digital twin that allows for the management of a scenario in a risk-free environment. With this tech, the vertiport could trial and conduct tests without the need to tinker with any real systems.

Styling itself as a "vertical twin", it differs from a traditional digital twin in that the simulation relays both what could happen to a product and what is happening at this very moment, as opposed to just the latter, bringing in aspects of simulation technology which are designed to allow for companies to "plan ahead" with systems.

Digital twins are designed for optimisation and management and will allow the vertiport to manage itself efficiently during both the construction and commercial phases by minimising things such as material or fuel waste.

eVTOL may well be the future of public transport. The system stands to reduce congestion on the roads, cut air pollution and work towards the decarbonisation of transport while also making the experience far better for customers.

While the form does still require some technological developments, the last few years have seen a number of hopefuls looking to bring the technology to their countries and local communities.

“Coventry is quickly becoming a hub for sustainable transport development," Dassault Systèmes' managing director for North Europe John Kitchingman said in a statement.

"Capitalising on years of experience accumulated in pioneering sectors of PLM Urban planning and Airport management, this partnership will showcase new heights for the aerospace industry and demonstrate how virtual twin technology can support its sustainable transition.”

In all, Urban-Air Port alongside its partner, automaker Hyundai's Urban Air Mobility division, is planning on launching 65 vertiports across the globe. This forms part of a wider network of 200 sites planned by Hyundai as it looks to turn itself into a tech giant rather than just a carmaker.

Air One was first revealed back in 2021, but construction did not commence until February 2022. It is a collaboration between both the private and public sectors.

The project was spearheaded by small (Six Miles Across London) in coordination with Hyundai, Coventry City Council and the UK government.

Ricky Sandhu, the founder of Urban-Air Port stated the company was "thrilled" to be working alongside Systèmes.

Read more: Urban-Air Port & Hyundai team up to develop urban air mobility hubs

"Their experience combined with a world-class reputation for innovation in 3D design is recognised across the aviation and aerospace industry, especially in the development of some of the world’s leading eVTOL and OEM brands," he said.

"Their work in precision design, virtual twin modelling and testing ensure delivery of the highest quality and is precisely why we have come together to expand our capabilities in AAM infrastructure," he added.

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