Government focusing on ‘eVTOL Aircrafts’

Context

The Union Civil Aviation Ministry is exploring the possibility of inviting manufacturers of Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft to set up bases in India.

What is eVTOL?

• EVTOL aircraft is one that uses electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically.
• Most eVTOLs also use what is called as distributed electric propulsion technology which means integrating a complex propulsion system with the airframe.
• There are multiple motors for various functions; to increase efficiency; and to also ensure safety.
• It works on electric propulsion based on progress in motor, battery, fuel cell and electronic controller technologies.
• It is also fuelled by the need for new vehicle technology that ensures urban air mobility (UAM).
• Its development opens up new possibilities in various areas where aircraft with engines cannot carry out like
• runway independent technological solution
• High manoeuvrability and efficiency. 

Features of eVTOL

• eVTOL is emerging as a runway independent technological solution” for the globe’s transportation needs.
• There are an estimated 250 eVTOL concepts or more being fine-tuned to bring alive the concept of UAM.
• Some of these include the use of multi-rotors, fixed-wing and tilt-wing concepts backed by sensors, cameras and even radar.
• The key word here is “autonomous connectivity”. Some of these are in various test phases.
• In short, eVTOLs have been likened to “a third wave in an aerial revolution”; the first being the advent of commercial flying, and the second, the age of helicopters.

What are the challenges?

• Crash prevention systems: As the technology so far is a mix of unpiloted and piloted aircraft, the areas in focus include “crash prevention systems”.
• These use cameras, radar, GPS (global positioning system) and infrared scanners.
• A power plant or rotor failure: There are also issues such as ensuring safety in case of powerplant or rotor failure.
• Cyberattacks: Aircraft protection from cyberattacks is another area of focus.
• Navigation and flight safety: A third area is in navigation and flight safety and the use of technology when operating in difficult terrain, unsafe operating environments, and also bad weather.