Why UAM Needs Real-World Rotor Wake Data

This paper underscores the need for real-world measurements of rotor downwash, outwash, and trailing wakes generated by eVTOL aircraft. As these vehicles operate in low-altitude urban environments, their complex aerodynamic effects raise safety concerns not addressed by helicopter models. The paper presents recent findings and recommends full-scale field measurements using pulsed coherent lidar to support safe integration of eVTOLs into the airspace system.