Microsoft and Volocopter are developing a cloud-based system through its Azure platform to support the data management needs of advanced air mobility applications, including the operation of eVTOL aircraft. In a May 17 announcement, Volocopter said it will use the system for its VoloIQ platform, which will manage all aspects of planned passenger and cargo operations with its VoloCity, VoloConnect, and VoloDrone eVTOL aircraft.
Initially, the VoloCity and the larger VoloConnect aircraft will operate with a pilot on board, but once regulatory and stakeholder acceptance requirements have been met, these will transition to autonomous operations. Volocopter says that the new Microsoft platform for aerospace will support this transition, while the VoloDrone freighter will operate autonomously from its entry into service. The system will be made available to other advanced air mobility companies.
