Overview
The first autonomous vehicle purposely built for AAM
ATLAS is an autonomous & electric towing vehicle designed to enhance the efficiency of airfield taxiing operations, particularly for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Powered by HALO, it is dispatched based on real-time data, considering factors like availability, charge level, and location, among others. Onboard the vehicle, a diverse suite of sensors help power autonomous capabilities such as airside navigation, path planning, and collision avoidance. Featuring a Precision Alignment algorithm using Computer Vision, it accurately aligns with and attaches to the aircraft’s front landing gear. After coupling, ATLAS follows a trajectory commanded by HALO, dynamically adjusting for traffic and other obstacles on the surface. It stops at specific markings for aircraft release, providing flexibility for turnaround or detachment at the Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO). The integration of these features enhances efficiency, safety, and reliability at vertiports, marking a significant advancement in airfield management.
- Connected EcosystemHALO efficiently orchestrates ATLAS vehicle movements, pulling real-time location data from each vehicle and the flight cloud infrastructure of eVTOL and vertiport operators.
- Intelligent ComputationOnboard sensor fusion of ultrasonic, LiDAR, camera, and radar sensors grant the vehicle robust obstacle detection and navigation capabilities.
- Efficient CouplingNovel and patented aircraft coupling mechanism leverages the weight of the nose gear to generate the necessary torque for towing operations.
- Modular SystemInclined ramp platform is modular and can be adapted to accommodate different landing gear configurations, minimizing structural fatigue.