Technology development strategies for electric vertical take-off and landing: focusing on the case of South Korea

Abstract

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) constitutes a promising type of personal air vehicle (PAV). This research addresses the urgent need for eVTOL technology development strategies aimed at vitalising eVTOL aircraft commercialisation in South Korea. It does so by evaluating the relative importance and readiness level of technology using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technology readiness level (TRL) analysis, respectively. Expert surveys are conducted based on a previously identified eVTOL technology tree. The ratings are then presented on a four-quadrant importance-performance analysis (IPA) matrix where each eVTOL technology is plotted according to its perceived relative importance and readiness level. The main categories of control autonomous flight and propulsion fall into Quadrant II (high importance and low readiness level), indicating that they constitute the highest priority among categories, and that a fast-follower strategy via the establishment of strategic partnerships should be pursued.