Wright State University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science will research ways to improve the performance of advanced aircraft through a one-year, $896,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
The funding will support Wright State University’s advanced air mobility research and has the potential to expand research.
Advanced air mobility uses new technologies to move people and cargo between locations that are not conveniently served by ground transportation or traditional air service. This includes small electric vehicles capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
Advanced Air Mobility is an interdisciplinary effort that includes aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering and is offered at Wright State University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Dr. Darryl Arner, Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science, described advanced air mobility as electric flying taxis that can transport people in crowded areas and evacuate victims in emergencies. The vehicle must be operated by a pilot, but may eventually fly autonomously.
“Advanced air mobility can have a significant impact on how people move, whether it’s for everyday mobility or for emergencies,” he said.
The Wright State University project is a faculty-led, student-led research effort involving 13 Wright State faculty and numerous graduate research assistants, as well as Sinclair Community College’s Unmanned Aerial Systems and Digital Engineering program.
This project focuses on enhancing power management and improving vehicle operational performance.
The first area of focus will look at how to effectively charge the batteries that power vehicles, including designing smart wireless power transfer networks that can charge multiple mobile devices and systems. Researchers use digital engineering to design, build, and test batteries.
Another phase of the project aims to enhance the performance capabilities of advanced air mobility vehicles. Wright State University researchers will use artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms to improve route planning and sensors to improve how vehicles move and fly.
“How can we operate efficiently? How can we enhance safety, manage power, and guide safe and effective routes during flight?” Arner said.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science hopes the award from Ohio State will begin opportunities to expand its research in advanced air mobility and prepare students for careers in the emerging field.
Arner said the timing is right to incorporate the expertise of the university’s faculty and students and focus on research innovation.
Through the Agility Prime initiative, the Air Force Research Laboratory is collaborating with higher education institutions and industry to develop commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, located at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, is a joint research facility of the Air Force Research Laboratory, NASA, and the Ohio Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center.
Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, plans to build a manufacturing facility at Dayton International Airport.
