Virginia Tech's 'Smart Airspace' Project Tests Electric Aircraft for Future Air Mobility
Virginia Tech's Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is conducting crucial tests with electric aircraft in Southwest Virginia. The 'Smart Airspace' project, a collaboration with NASA, aims to develop the infrastructure for advanced air mobility, including air taxis and drone deliveries. Researchers are flying a Kitty Hawk "Heaviside" electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft beyond the pilot's visual line of sight. Using advanced ground-based radar, the team is developing safety protocols to integrate these new aircraft into the national airspace. These tests are a significant step toward making urban air mobility a commercial reality.
Official Source: https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/10/12/virginia-techs-smart-airspace-project-tests-electric-aircraft-southwest-virginia/
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