UberAir ‘Skyport’ Designs Are Insane Looking

on May 14, 2018 at 11:32 am

How realistic are these Skyport designs?

At Uber’s second Elevate Summit, six leading architecture and engineering firms showcased the first designs for uberAIR Skyports. All skyport concepts are required to be able to support more than 4,000 passengers per hour within a three acre footprint. The skyports must also ensure electric VTOLs can easily recharge in between trips.

The company plans to demonstrate the technology by 2020 and begin its commercial operation in 2023.

Six concepts were selected which demonstrate a high degree of realism and technical feasibility. Finalists include: Gannett Fleming; BOKA Powell; Humphreys & Partners Architects; Pickard Chilton working with Arup; Corgan; and The Beck Group.

Gannett Fleming- The Paw

Gannett Fleming calls the design it has made as the “Paw.” Their concept would reportedly support about 52 VTOL vehicles every hour per module. They could also accommodate over 600 arrivals and departures and around 4,000 people per hour by the year 2028.

Boka Powell

BOKA Powell’s design, which the architecture firm claims could handle 1,000 takeoffs and landings per hour. Its structure could also reverse itself to accommodate changes in wind direction.

Humphrey & Partners – The Uber Hover

Humphreys & Partners’ design known as the”Uber Hover” draws inspiration from a beehive. However, on closer look, one can also see its resemblance with an Ewok village on Star Wars.

Pickard Chilton and Arup

Pickard Chilton and Arup’s design involves a structure with dozens of stories rising into the air. A single module in their Skyport will allow 180 VTOLs per hour and could accommodate up to 1,800 passengers during that time.

Corgan

Corgan’s design could potentially be built over existing highway networks.

John Badalamenti, Uber’s head of design for advanced programs and aviation, called the designs a “culmination of hundreds of designers and engineers that have created dozens of designs for a highly efficient and modular Skyport.” He added, “While uberAIR might feel like a far away dream, it’s closer than you think and urban infrastructure has to start to evolve now to keep up.”

Which Skyport concept do you like best?