DEVELOPING A COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

Updated
DEVELOPING A COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

White Paper Details

Title
DEVELOPING A COMMUNICATIONS FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY
Year Published
2024
Author
Paul Wheeler, Vice President of Aerial Innovation at WSP in the U.S.
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This white paper discusses WSP's work with the state of Michigan to develop a communications framework for the state's emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem. 

It highlights the importance of a robust communications network in enabling safe, efficient, and scalable AAM operations. The article also addresses how Michigan's approach to AAM infrastructure development can serve as a model for other regions looking to establish similar systems.
WSP is partnering with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to advance a communications framework for Michigan's AAM ecosystem.
The primary objectives are:
  1. Evaluating the efficacy of a short-range communications mesh in facilitating beyond visual line-of-sight uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) deployments
  2. Utilizing this technology to improve communication and integration between various transportation modes (buses, trains, AAM aircraft)
A robust communications framework is key to the success of AAM operations:
  • Enabling seamless coordination between numerous aerial vehicles operating nearby
  • Facilitating low-latency data exchange for real-time updates on travel times, vehicle locations, weather conditions, etc.
  • Providing an efficient traffic management system for advisories and communications
  • Enhancing situational awareness for both crewed and uncrewed vehicles
  • Allowing quick emergency response communication
  • Integrating with existing aviation and air traffic control systems
  • Linking various transportation modes to mitigate congestion
Challenges in implementing and maintaining an AAM communications framework include:
  • Need for redundancy and failsafe systems to ensure safety
  • Interoperability issues between components from different manufacturers
  • Security and data privacy concerns
  • Scalability to accommodate a growing number and diversity of vehicles
  • Maintaining low-latency communication with large data packets
  • Adapting to evolving regulations and standards
Michigan's approach, which can be a model for other regions, involves:
  • Strong leadership support and coordination across state government
  • Proactive engagement with the FAA to harmonize state and federal regulations
  • The phased approach to technology integration, testing the feasibility of critical components
  • Commitment to improving community well-being as a core principle
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