A patent filing for Alef Aeronautics’ Model A flying car peels back the curtain on its inner workings. [Courtesy: Alef Aeronautics]
Key Takeaways:
The article presents a monthly roundup of cutting-edge advanced air mobility (AAM) and drone-related patents, offering a rare look into innovations like Alef Aeronautics' "flying car" and AT&T's automated 5G "Cell on Wings" drones.
Patented technologies aim to address key operational challenges, including modular urban landing platforms for drone delivery (Istanbul University), hand gesture control systems for drones (NEC Corp.), and low-altitude radar for safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights (Rhombus Systems).
Further advancements in AAM include simplified single-arm flight controls for eVTOL aircraft (Beta Air) and innovative drone-assisted charging systems during takeoff to extend air taxi flight times (Kia).
Much of the action in the advanced air mobility space happens behind closed doors. Unless you’re friends with an Amazon Prime Air engineer or a U.S. military flight tester, the inner workings of modern flying innovation are opaque at best.
But every now and then, innovators give us a peek behind the curtain—if you know where to look.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
