Exterior Design of an Urban Air Mobility Vehicle Optimizing for Medical Emergencies and Public Acceptance

Abstract

Technological advancements have enabled the development of previously unfeasible transportation solutions, with Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles emerging as a promising approach to addressing growing urban congestion challenges. This project focuses on designing an emergency UAM vehicle, developing its exterior to support critical rescue missions comparable to those performed by ambulance helicopters, while aiming to design it to be accepted and trusted by the public and society. An iterative design methodology guided the project, beginning with comprehensive research, including literature reviews, market analysis, stakeholder interviews, and field observations, to establish key design requirements. Subsequent phases used various methods and tools, progressing from conceptual sketches to 3D-printed prototypes, physical mockups, and final Class-A surface modeling. The project resulted in a proposal for a concept vehicle: the exterior design of a medical emergency UAM, demonstrated through CAD models and realistic renderings, with requirements and dimensions tailored to emergency medical missions. While the initial focus was on designing a UAM, prioritizing both medical emergencies and public acceptance, the project later shifted towards medical operations, with public acceptance becoming a secondary consideration. This adjustment was due to the project’s scope; findings suggest that emergency UAM design must first fulfill mission-critical needs before addressing semiotic and aesthetic considerations.