Modular architecture

To maximize economic efficiency while offering a wide range of electric vehicle variants, the automotive industry relies on so-called “skateboard platforms” with interchangeable user modules. A leading example of this strategy is BMW’s i3 and i8 models. This modular approach has been adapted for air taxis to enable future air mobility concepts to be scaled efficiently for broad application.

At the core of this concept is the separation between the Flight Propulsion Unit (FPU) and the People Transport Unit (PTU). The FPU includes all propulsion and flight dynamics systems, while the PTU—housing passengers or cargo—is connected via four electronically controlled docking units.

This modular setup allows for flexible combinations of different FPUs (e.g., “Pure Lift,” “Long Distance H2,” “Silent,” “High Load”) with various mission-specific cabins (e.g., “Executive,” “Medical,” “Rescue,” “Cargo”). The key technological highlights of this architecture include not only the docking units as the interface between FPU and PTU, but also the operational model for managing module changes at Vertiports. This enables a highly adaptable and scalable urban air mobility system.