A Glossary for the Urban Air Mobility Future

The advent of on-demand transportation flying over traffic and terrain is changing how we think about getting from point A to point B.

The emerging world of urban air mobility (UAM) will make transportation more efficient while launching an entirely new sector of the aerospace industry.

Technology being developed today — by the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers and by innovative startups — is making air taxis, drone delivery, and all-electric, autonomous flight a reality. 

This new industry already encompasses many evolving concepts and subsectors. Here are some important terms to know as this technology takes us to new heights.

Autonomous flight: Refers to aircraft that are capable of sensing, deciding, and acting with greater autonomy through all phases of flight, from takeoff to landing.

Urban air mobility (UAM): This emerging field of aviation and aerospace centers on developing aircraft and infrastructure to transport people over urban environments on demand. Advancements in battery technology, distributed electric propulsion and automation are driving innovation in this field. 

Advanced air mobility (AAM): Expanding on these concepts, advanced air mobility envisions use cases beyond urban environments, including regional city pairs, public services, emergency response and cargo delivery. 

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL): The technology behind most advanced air mobility vehicles is eVTOL. Aircraft typically use rotors to take off vertically. Then those rotors either mechanically shift in place for fixed-wing cruising flight or another propulsion system takes over.

Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs): Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, UAVs are often remotely piloted aircraft used for aerial photography and surveillance, firefighting, military applications, insurance adjusting and crop spraying. Larger UAVs are currently in development for cargo and package delivery. 

Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS): A term often used in the aerospace industry, by the United States military and the Federal Aviation Administration, "uncrewed aerial system" emphasizes elements in addition to the aircraft, including data links, control stations, remote pilots on the ground and other systems. 

Fly-by-wire system: All-electric vehicles, both for urban air mobility and UAVs, require ultralight systems. These advanced aircraft, like modern airliners, are controlled with a fly-by-wire system — essentially the brains of the aircraft. Although conventional control systems are heavier and draw considerable power, Honeywell engineers have developed a compact fly-by-wire system about the size of a paperback book, while eliminating the need for heavy hydraulics, improving safety and drawing less power.