Reduction of Preliminary Feasibility Study Period for Core Technology Development of Korean Urban Air Mobility

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 17th that the 'Korean Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM) Safety Operation System Core Technology Development Project' was recently selected as a preliminary feasibility study target by the Ministry of Science and ICT's 'National Research and Development Project Evaluation Committee.'

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) scene / Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

This project is expected to be the first case to apply the Ministry of Science and ICT's rapid investigation method (fast track), shortening the preliminary feasibility study period from the existing 7 months to 4.5 months. Therefore, it will be possible to know whether the project will proceed around July to August.

The Ministry of Land explained that it conceived the R&D project to proactively develop core technologies for safe operation in preparation for the full growth phase in 2030 following the initial commercialization of UAM in 2025. The project mainly involves developing core technologies in three areas: ▲Navigation and traffic management (real-time automated design of UAM routes, urban weather observation and forecasting) ▲Vertiport operation and support (design and construction of mobile and modular vertiports) ▲Safety certification and integrated demonstration (establishment of UAM certification system, integrated demonstration of communication, navigation, and surveillance). A total of 299.7 billion KRW will be invested over five years (2024?2028).

Previously, it was also selected as one of the 12 major research and development (R&D) projects under the current government’s 'National Strategic Technology Project.' The Ministry of Land expects significant synergistic effects when linked with the demonstration project (Grand Challenge) starting in August this year, as well as the two ongoing R&D projects aimed at initial commercialization.

Jeon Hyung-pil, Director of the Mobility and Automobile Bureau at the Ministry of Land, said, "UAM is a future growth engine with limitless potential, and the whole world is fiercely competing to secure market dominance. To lead the global market, it is crucial to develop related technologies with our own hands. We will do our best during the preliminary feasibility study process to ensure this project is finally approved."