Theoretical and Simulated Capacity of Urban Air Mobility Airspace Characteristics

As interest in urban air mobility grows, so are the optimistic predictions for potentially hundreds of simultaneous operations within a given metropolitan airspace. This high density of traffic poses a challenge for safe, efficient, and timely operations, particularly when realistic airspace restrictions, fleet sizes, and fluctuating demand are considered. Routes for urban air mobility aircraft, similar to automotive roadways more than other types of airways, are one proposed solution for traffic management. This paper identifies several potential components of urban air mobility routes and compares their numerically predicted maximum capacity with what is achieved in a realistic simulation that includes airspace restrictions, parking limitations, fleet sizes, and uneven demand.