Programs

Successful advanced air mobility operations require the integration of systems including air vehicles, air operations and ground operations. The three principal research streams of AAM CRC reflect this. The research programs will collaboratively link researchers and industry on a strategic combination of projects over the 10 years of the CRC.

  • Advanced Air Mobility Air Vehicles include all aircraft that will fly in the future integrated airspace, from drones, remotely piloted air systems (RPAS), uncrewed air systems (UAS) and new formats of aircraft such as eVTOLs, STOLs and even zero emissions commercial aircraft.

    The Air Vehicles Research Program will develop air vehicles for safe, efficient and sustainable AAM operations suited to Australia’s air service requirements, particularly regional and remote connectivity. The AAM CRC’s partners are developing passenger, logistic and aeromedical crewed and uncrewed air vehicles in differing take-off and landing configurations. The Air Vehicles Research Program will undertake significant research into alternate, renewable or net zero propulsion systems to meet electric propulsion and conventional internal combustion - some piloted, some autonomous.

  • The Air Operations Research Program will build on Australia’s international reputation as a developer and operator of air traffic management systems, adapting that expertise to the specific operational requirements of AAM operations.

    This Research Program will develop systems that enable safe, secure AAM operations integrated with current airspace usage through approaches to air traffic, air operations and air vehicle management. It will achieve this by advancing automation, AI applications, and autonomous control, while mindful of community concerns regarding noise, safety and privacy. The Air Operations Research Program will focus on three key areas: air traffic management, air operations and autonomy. This will require a new generation of sensors, the establishment of new regulatory and policy frameworks, informed by a strong evidence base and incorporating flight safety.

  • Complementing air vehicle and air operations will be research to develop and test ground infrastructure and systems, particularly those related to regional and remote operations.

    This research program will develop ground infrastructure required for regional AAM operation responding to CASA guidelines, including landing areas, passenger/freight areas, aircraft handling, refuelling and security. It will research the locations of vertiports from perspectives of flight operations, community impact and integration with other transport modes.

Themes

Supplementing the Research Programs will be strategic Research Themes, specialised capabilities which will be utilised by most or all programs. They will be led collaboratively by experienced research and industry members.

  • With decarbonisation requiring increased regulatory and voluntary attention in both aerospace and aviation, a cradle-to-grave approach to AAM environmental sustainability will need to be developed.

  • With the worldwide and Australian shortage of aviation test ranges, the need and opportunity exists to develop ranges in relevant operating environments suitable for use by AAM. These spaces could be utilised by both for sovereign and international developers, civil and military, and potentially other vertical-lift aviation, such as UAS and helicopters. This will be based on the existing significant Australian capability for aviation test and evaluation, and emerging AAM test and trials activity.

  • Digitalisation includes the integration and utilisation of digital technologies and data-driven processes throughout the entire lifecycle of aerospace systems, including design, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance. Digitalisation encompasses the use of digital twin technology, advanced computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and connectivity, ultimately leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable air travel.

    The application of digitisation and artificial intelligence to the research and subsequent commercialisation of outcomes will be utilised to link relevant research elements, accelerate research processes, reduce research costs and accelerate speed to market.

  • Intelligent manufacturing processes will be used, integrating advanced composite materials and Industry 4.0 technologies to make the future of aviation a reality.

Enablers

Supplementing the Research Streams will be strategic Research Enablers, specialised capabilities which will be utilised by most or all streams. They will be led collaboratively by experienced research and industry members.

Image courtesy of AMSL Aero

  • Research will be required across all elements of AAM to identify, develop and implement AAM-specific professional education and vocational training. This will be built on the significant existing Australian civil and military aviation training capabilities.

  • The AAM CRC will have a community-first approach, with a focus on master planning, research and development opportunities, and community acceptance.

  • Cybersecurity is a key element of operational risk mitigation, particularly in cases of remotely piloted or autonomous operations. AAM-specific research will be required within in the broader context of increased cybersecurity development.

  • The AAM CRC is developing an evidence base that will inform policy and regulation.

  • Research will bring together industry partners from across Australia to drive innovation in the national interest, cementing Australian as a key global player in the advancement of aviation and aerospace technologies. The AAM CRC will link researchers and industry partners with end-users to develop role-specific capabilities relevant to Australian and regional needs. These will include:

    • Defence

    • Logistics

    • Aeromedical

    • Emergency Services

    • Disaster relief

    • Environment

    • Tourism.

  • Equity and diversity will be guiding principles for the AAM CRC both at the corporate and individual levels.