The in-flight moving map is ready for its VTOL debut. FlightPath3D updated its industry-leading offering to include an option for helicopters and other VTOL aircraft, launching with an undisclosed, private customer.
Building our VTOL 3D Map application to support direct point to point travel required additional intelligence to generate a dynamic route in 3D, enhanced cockpit view and upgraded satellite resolution imagery to zoom down to 60 cm.
– FlightPath3D CEO Boris Veksler
Transitioning the maps to the VTOL market requires some adjustments to the FlightPath3D software, including higher resolution imagery along the flight path, showing images at 60 cm. The flight path algorithms are also slightly different. And, of course, the aircraft displayed on the screen looks a bit different. But, true to FlightPath3D form, it still carries the specific livery of the helicopter on which the maps are being viewed.
The first commercial implementation of the VTOL 3D Map is customized for the operator’s fleet of Sikorsky S92 helicopters. It provides flight details like time to destination, expected arrival time, altitude, groundspeed, and bearing and mission-specific data. Any time the pilot changes the route, passengers are automatically updated, and the route reflects those changes.
Plotting a growth path for the moving map market
The new VTOL option for FlightPath3D follows on the company’s recent announcement of integration with the Gogo Avance business aviation platform. And it is just the beginning for where the company sees potential expansion of the markets for its product.
FlightPath3D is also bullish on the potential use of the mapping systems in the burgeoning eVTOL market suggesting that “Tomorrow’s travel and urban transportation systems are working to unlock this third dimension of lifting people and products above roads and highways.” The company believes its mapping system is perfectly suited for integration into that market.
FlightPath3D President Duncan Jackson notes, “With over 100m passenger devices using our map in the skies today onboard the world’s largest airlines, we are well-positioned to guide passengers in self-piloted vehicles. This is not too far in the future; most travelers will live to take eVTOL taxis in a major city in their lifetime.”
A favor to ask while you're here...
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Leave a Reply