PLANA, a hybrid Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft developer, announced it is waiting for final approvals to lease space in the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) in Springfield, Ohio.
The move is part of PLANA’s efforts to accelerate its technology research and development, as well as its plans for global expansion.
NAAMCE and the developing AAM aviation sector
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) has emerged as a promising frontier, promising revolutionary transportation solutions through hybrid aircraft technology.
PLANA, a pioneer AAM aircraft developer, is making significant strides in this domain the Ohio move aims to expedite technology research and development for PLANA and facilitate its global expansion.
NAAMCE, situated near the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport terminal, boasts a spacious 30,000-square-foot office building. This facility is designed to accommodate administrative functions, laboratories, meeting rooms, and collaboration spaces.
Additionally, the center provides 25,000 square feet of aircraft hangar space to cater to the needs of both the Air Force and private industry.
Its primary mission is to support manufacturers and operators involved in electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) and other aircraft used for Advanced Air Mobility.
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Backing from key supporters
The NAAMCE project received substantial financial support from various entities. The U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation granted a $6 million Defense Community Infrastructure Program grant in 2021, laying the foundation for the initiative.
Further bolstering the project, JobsOhio contributed a $2.9 million Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) grant, specifically designated for site preparation, utility extensions, an access drive, and parking areas.
The City of Springfield demonstrated its commitment by funding the remaining expenses.
Aerospace Development
The centerpiece of NAAMCE’s appeal lies in its capacity to foster collaboration among participants. Aerospace companies gain access to a nurturing environment conducive to research, design, validation, testing, flight training, and valuable business counsel relevant to aircraft development.
Beyond the core focus on aircraft, NAAMCE facilitates demonstration projects aimed at advancing AAM integration by showcasing cutting-edge technologies.
By securing a spot at NAAMCE, PLANA joins other leading eVTOL Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) like Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies, both of whom have already established their presence at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.
For PLANA, this alliance presents an unparalleled opportunity to expedite the ongoing research on their hybrid-electric AAM aircraft. It serves as a launchpad to pioneer new technologies while fostering collaboration with American companies and organizations, thereby driving the AAM industry forward.
Ohio’s capabilities
The allure of NAAMCE extends beyond its physical location. PLANA envisions collaborative efforts with the State of Ohio, tapping into its diverse capabilities.
Regional use cases are being developed to support crucial logistics and emergency medical services. Furthermore, the state is actively pushing for the establishment of flight corridors that connect Ohio’s major cities, such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
PLANA recognizes the strategic synergies present and aims to leverage these resources to bolster its technological prowess.
PLANA comments
Minyoung Ahn, co-founder, and chief strategy officer of PLANA, emphasizes the significance of participating in NAAMCE, recognizing it as an opportunity to forge a collaborative ecosystem with various AAM projects being developed in the U.S.
The move is particularly momentous as it allows PLANA to showcase South Korea’s AAM technology on the world stage while jointly fostering new technologies that shape the future of aviation.
PLANA is a hybrid AAM eVTOL developer. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a concept that encompasses both Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM), is gaining traction as a new mode of transportation to connect areas not served by traditional air services.
The company is developing an aircraft that reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80% compared to conventional helicopters. With a range of 500 kilometers, and a payload to fit a pilot and up to six passengers.
It is currently testing and validating a scaled-down aircraft. The company recently opened two offices in the USA and is working on the FAA certification while expanding its global ecosystem.
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