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Title:
AERODROME STRUCTURE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2024/008750
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An aerodrome structure comprises a vertical airfield module having a primary landing pad for a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The primary landing pad is located in an upper plane and comprises an inner platform having an inner platform area and an outer platform having an outer platform area. The outer platform has an inner perimeter that abuts an outer perimeter of the inner platform such that the outer platform circumscribes and abuts the inner platform. The vertical airfield module further comprises a lift mechanism configured to lower the inner platform between the upper plane and a lower level. A combined area of the outer platform and the inner platform is at least 1.2 times the area of the inner platform.

Inventors:
SANDHU HARPREET SINGH (GB)
WU-SANDHU ANDREA FANG-NING (GB)
CHRISPIN NICHOLAS (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2023/068454
Publication Date:
January 11, 2024
Filing Date:
July 04, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
URBAN AIR PORT LTD (GB)
International Classes:
B64F1/00; B64F1/22; B64F1/30; B64F1/36; E01F3/00; E04H6/44
Domestic Patent References:
WO2018139723A12018-08-02
WO2022263512A12022-12-22
Foreign References:
FR3088620A12020-05-22
US20190339720A12019-11-07
US3915319A1975-10-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BOULT WADE TENNANT LLP (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. An aerodrome structure comprising a vertical airfield module having: a primary landing pad for a vertical take off and landing aircraft, the primary landing pad being located in an upper plane and comprising an inner platform having an inner platform area and an outer platform having an outer platform area, wherein the outer platform has an inner perimeter that abuts an outer perimeter of the inner platform such that the outer platform circumscribes and abuts the inner platform; a lift mechanism configured to lower the inner platform between the upper plane and a lower level; wherein a combined area of the outer platform and the inner platform is at least 1.2 times the area of the inner platform.

2. The aerodrome structure of claim 1 wherein the combined area of the outer platform and the inner platform is at least 1.4 times, preferably at least 1.5 times, even more preferably at least 2.1 times the area of the inner platform.

3. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the vertical airfield module comprises an outward facing side, wherein the aerodrome structure comprises a hangar unit configured to abut the outward facing side of the vertical airfield module.

4. The aerodrome structure of claim 3 wherein the outer platform extends above a highest point of the hangar.

5. The aerodrome structure of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the hangar unit comprises a plurality of vertically stacked hangar modules.

6. The aerodrome structure of any of claims 3 to 5 further comprising a passenger facility module located adjacent at least one of the one or more hangar units so as to facilitate access between the passenger facility module and the said hangar unit.

7. The aerodrome structure of claim 6 wherein the outer platform extends above a highest point of the passenger facility module. 8. The aerodrome structure of any of claims 3 to 7 wherein the vertical airfield module comprises a plurality of outward facing sides, wherein the aerodrome structure comprises a plurality of hangar units, each hangar unit abutting one of the plurality of outward facing sides.

9. The aerodrome structure of claim 8 when dependent directly or indirectly upon claim 6 wherein the passenger facility module is located between a pair of the plurality of hangar units.

10. The aerodrome structure of claim3 or any claim dependent upon claim 3 further comprising an aircraft apparatus area to facilitate movement of aircraft between the hangar unit and the inner platform.

11. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the inner platform is square.

12. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim wherein the outer platform has a square outer perimeter and a square inner perimeter.

13. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising a first lower level in which the inner platform cooperates with one or more of: a first level of the cargo transit apparatus; an electric charger for an aircraft; a battery exchange facility; a hydrogen refuelling facility; a cargo transit apparatus.

14. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising an intermediate level between the upper plane and the first lower level, wherein in the intermediate level the inner platform cooperates with one or more of: a first level of the cargo transit apparatus; an electric charger for an aircraft; a battery exchange facility; a hydrogen refuelling facility; a cargo transit apparatus; a hangar for aircraft storage and/or maintenance and/or repairs; a passenger processing facility; an energy generation and storage system. 15. The aerodrome structure of any preceding claim further comprising an electro- voltaic panel on an exterior fagade of the aerodrome structure.

16. A kit pf parts for an aerodrome structure in accordance with claim 1 , the kit of parts comprising the vertical airfield module and one or more of a plurality of stackable hangar modules and/or one or more passenger facility modules.

Description:
Aerodrome structure

Background

Current transportation systems are increasingly clogged and polluting, with city centres and urban areas frequently overcrowded with conventionally-powered public transport, delivery lorries (trucks), and privately owned vehicles. These conditions are detrimental to the economy and the environment, in particular with regard to particulate pollution and climate change.

These problems may be alleviated to some extent by the use of small, short-range, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Such aircraft may be electrically-powered, or comprise hybrid power systems which combine different energy sources, and are therefore more sustainable than conventional fossil-fuelled aircraft. Furthermore, electrically- powered aircraft are more suitable for use in densely populated areas since they are quieter than conventionally powered aircraft and do not produce emissions that contribute to air pollution.

Furthermore, space may be at a particular premium in densely populated areas. There may be a need therefore for infrastructure which occupies a minimum footprint whilst at the same time accommodating a high throughput of flights for passengers and/or freight services.

The present disclosure aims to address this infrastructure need in an efficient, flexible, robust, and cost-effective manner.

Summary

Against this background, there is provided an aerodrome structure comprising a vertical airfield module having: a primary landing pad for a vertical take off and landing aircraft, the primary landing pad being located in an upper plane and comprising an inner platform having an inner platform area and an outer platform having an outer platform area, wherein the outer platform has an inner perimeter that abuts an outer perimeter of the inner platform such that the outer platform circumscribes and abuts the inner platform; a lift mechanism configured to lower the inner platform between the upper plane and a lower level; wherein a combined area of the outer platform and the inner platform is at least 1 .2 times the area of the inner platform.

In this way, the primary landing pad (comprising both the inner and the outer platform) has a larger diameter than the inner platform, which can serve as a stand for the aircraft.

Regulations may require, for a particular dimension of vertical take off and landing aircraft, that the primary landing pad (or final take off and landing area - FATO) has a larger area than the area of a stand for an aircraft of the same dimension. By arranging only the stand, and not the entire primary landing pad, to move vertically, the lift mechanism does not need to be able to lower and raise the entire primary landing pad. This reduces the need for an over-engineered lift mechanism.

The combined area of the outer platform and the inner platform may be at least 1.4 times, preferably at least 1 .5 times, even more preferably at least 2.1 times the area of the inner platform.

The vertical airfield module may comprise an outward facing side, wherein the aerodrome structure comprises a hangar unit configured to abut the outward facing side of the vertical airfield module.

The outer platform may extend above a highest point of the hangar.

The hangar unit may comprise a plurality of vertically stacked hangar modules. The aerodrome structure may further comprise a passenger facility module located adjacent at least one of the one or more hangar units so as to facilitate access between the passenger facility module and the said hangar unit.

The aerodrome structure may further comprise a vertical circulation core. This may enable access to the platform from ground level when in the upper plane.

The outer platform may extend above a highest point of the passenger facility module.

The vertical airfield module may comprise a plurality of outward facing sides, wherein the aerodrome structure comprises a plurality of hangar units, each hangar unit abutting one of the plurality of outward facing sides.

The passenger facility module may be located between a pair of the plurality of hangar units.

The aerodrome structure may further comprise an aircraft transit apparatus to facilitate movement of aircraft between the hangar unit and the inner platform.

The inner platform may be square.

The outer platform may have a square outer perimeter and a square inner perimeter.

The aerodrome structure may further comprise a first lower level in which the inner platform cooperates with one or more of: a first level of the cargo transit apparatus; an electric charger for an aircraft; a battery exchange facility; a hydrogen refuelling facility; a cargo transit apparatus; a hangar for aircraft storage and/or maintenance and/or repairs; a passenger processing facility; an energy generation and storage system. The aerodrome structure my further comprise an intermediate level between the upper plane and the first lower level, wherein in the intermediate level the inner platform cooperates with one or more of: a first level of the cargo transit apparatus; an electric charger for an aircraft; a battery exchange facility; a hydrogen refuelling facility; a cargo transit apparatus; a hangar for aircraft storage and/or maintenance and/or repairs; a passenger processing facility; an energy generation and storage system.

The aerodrome structure may further comprise an electro-voltaic panel on an exterior fagade of the aerodrome structure.

Further aspects of the disclosure

Further aspects of the disclosure are set out in the following numbered clauses:

1. An aerodrome structure comprising: a primary landing pad for a vertical take off and landing aircraft, the primary landing pad being located in an upper plane and comprising a radially inner platform and a radially outer platform, wherein the radially outer platform has an inner diameter that abuts an outer diameter, D, of the radially inner platform such that the radially outer platform circumscribes and abuts the radially inner platform; a roof structure radially outside the radially outer platform; a lift mechanism configured to lower the inner platform between the upper plane and a lower level; wherein the radially outer platform has an outer diameter that is at least 1.1 times the outer diameter of the radially inner platform.

2. The aerodrome structure of clause 1 wherein the radially outer platform has an outer diameter that is at least 1.2 times, and preferably at least 1.25 times the outer diameter of the radially inner platform. 3. The aerodrome structure of clause 1 or clause 2 further comprising a secondary landing pad in the upper plane and being offset from the primary landing pad, wherein the secondary landing pad is static.

4. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause wherein an upper limit of the roof structure extends to the upper level.

5. The aerodrome structure of clause 4 wherein the roof comprises a pitched roof portion that extends from the upper level towards the lower level.

6. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause further comprising a plurality of outer zones radially outside the landing pad.

7. The aerodrome structure of clause 6 wherein the plurality of radially outer zones comprises an aircraft bay offset from the landing pad, wherein the aircraft bay is located at the lower level.

8. The aerodrome structure of clause 6 or clause 7 wherein the plurality of radially outer zones comprises a passenger reception area at the lower level.

9. The aerodrome structure of clause 8 when dependent upon clause 6 further comprising a circulation route at the lower level beneath the radially outer platform extending between the passenger reception area and the aircraft stand.

10. The aerodrome structure of clause 8 or clause 9 wherein the passenger reception area is located beneath the roof.

11. The aerodrome structure of clause 7 or any clause dependent upon clause further comprising an aircraft transit area to facilitate movement of aircraft between the aircraft bay and the radially inner platform, in an event that the radially inner platform is at the lower level.

12. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause wherein the radially inner platform is circular. 13. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause wherein the radially outer platform has a circular outer perimeter and a circular inner perimeter.

14. The aerodrome structure of clause 7 or any clause dependent upon clause 7, wherein any preceding clause wherein the aircraft bay has an arcuate perimeter such that, in use with an aircraft, both sides of the aircraft are directly accessible from the perimeter of the aircraft bay.

15. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause further comprising a first lower level in which the platform cooperates with one or more of: a first level of the cargo transit apparatus; an electric charger for an aircraft; a battery exchange facility; a hydrogen refuelling facility; a cargo transit apparatus.

16. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause further comprising an electro- voltaic panel on an exterior fagade of the aerodrome structure.

17. The aerodrome structure of any preceding clause wherein the primary landing pad and/or, where present, the secondary landing pad comprises stand markings for one larger VTOL and also stand markings for a plurality of smaller VTOLs.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first aerodrome structure, provided for context;

Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the first aerodrome structure showing interior elements; Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of a vertical take off and landing aircraft together with a circle of minimum diameter capable of accommodating the VTOL;

Figure 4 shows four areas related to a landing area for an aircraft;

Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of a second aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a third aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view of an interior of the second aerodrome structure;

Figure 8 shows schematic plan view of the interior of the second aerodrome structure, showing circulation routes;

Figure 9 shows a plan view of the second aerodrome structure showing additional stand markings;

Figure 10 shows a cross sectional view of the second aerodrome structure showing transition of an aircraft from aircraft bay, to radially inner platform, to secondary landing pad;

Figure 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth aerodrome structure in a first configuration with its inner platform at the upper plane and in a second configuration with its inner platform at a lower level;

Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a vertical aerodrome module of the fourth aerodrome structure of Figure 11;

Figure 13 shows a schematic cutaway side view of the fourth aerodrome structure in the first configuration with its inner platform at the upper plane and in the second configuration with its inner platform at a lower level; Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the fourth aerodrome structure with the platform and roof structures removed and with its inner platform at a lower level;

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the fourth aerodrome structure from a lower angle than Figure 11 ; and

Figure 16 shows plan views and side views of the fourth aerodrome structure (centre) as well as a smaller variation on the fourth aerodrome structure (left) and a larger variation on the fourth aerodrome structure (right).

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a first aerodrome structure developed by the applicant to show context for the embodiments of the disclosure described below.

The aerodrome structure 10 of Figure 1 has the form of a shallow, truncated cone. The aerodrome structure 10 includes a platform 12 arranged to be raised and lowered, between a lower level (which may be coincident with the prevailing ground level or may not) within the interior of the aerodrome structure 10 and an upper region or top of the aerodrome structure 10 (per the position of the platform 12 shown in Figure 1). With regard to departing aircraft, the platform 12 functions to move the aircraft from ground level to the top of the aerodrome structure 10 and provides a take-off pad for the aircraft. With regard to arriving aircraft, the platform 12 provides a landing pad and serves to move the aircraft from the top of the aerodrome structure 10 to ground level.

Referring to Figure 2, the platform 12 is one element of a lift structure 14 which forms a central, core assembly of the aerodrome structure 10. As will be explained herein, the lift structure 14 and its platform 12 enables the construction of the aerodrome structure 10 itself, as well as handling the movements of aircraft when the aerodrome structure 10 is inservice.

The lift structure 14 comprises an upstanding frame including an upper ring 16 located directly above a lower or base ring 18 which lies on the ground. The upper ring 16 is supported over the base ring 18 by a plurality of substantially vertical lift structure columns 20 which are spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the upper and base rings 16, 18.

The platform 12 is disc-shaped and is located within the tubular frame and extends laterally or horizontally, i.e. in a direction which is substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal or vertical axis of the tubular frame. The platform 12 has a diameter or span which is slightly smaller than that of the base ring 18 and the upper ring 16, such that it effectively abuts the base ring 18 and the upper ring 16 without conflicting with the base ring 18 and the upper ring 16. In this example, the platform 12 comprises aluminium alloy. The platform 12 may alternatively comprise steel or any other suitable material. The platform 12 is movably connected to guide rails 22 (not shown in Figure 2) which extend between the base ring 18 and the upper ring 16 and which are spaced apart around the circumference thereof. In this example, the lift structure 14 comprises four guide rails 22. In this example, the guide rails 22 comprise steel.

Lift apparatus 24 (not visible in Figure 2) is provided beneath the platform 12 (i.e. between the platform 12 and the underlying ground) and is arranged to raise and lower the platform 12 between the base ring 18 and the upper ring 16. In this example, the lift apparatus 24 is supported on rest plates 26 (not visible in Figure 2) which are arranged within the circumference of the base ring 18. Further in this example, the rest plates 26 are themselves supported on or between ground-based base cross-beams 28 (not visible in Figure 2) which extend across the diameter of the base ring 18 and are connected thereto. In this example, the base cross-beams 28 comprise steel.

The spacing of the lift structure columns 20 and the guide rails 22 is configured such as to provide a side opening 30 of the lift structure 14, for loading an aircraft onto the platform 12 and unloading an aircraft from the platform 12 when the platform 12 is in a lowered position, i.e. such as to be located in the region of the base ring 18. When the platform 12 is in a raised position, i.e. such so as to be located in the region of the upper ring 16, the platform 12 provides a take-off and landing pad for an aircraft. Thus the platform 12 may also be referred to as a Final Approach and Take-Off or “FATO” platform. As such, the platform 12 is configured to meet relevant aviation regulations. In this regard, the platform 12 has suitable load-bearing capacity and comprises appropriate markings, navigation lighting and equipment, and a surface material which is non-slip, durable, and corrosion resistant. Still referring to Figure 2, the aerodrome structure 10 further comprises Y-shaped outriggers or stabilisation beams 32, which provide enhanced lateral stabilisation to the lift structure 14 and also form an additional structure of the aerodrome structure 10. In this example, the aerodrome structure 10 comprises six of the beams 32. In this example, the beams 32 comprise steel. As can be seen in the drawing, the Y-shaped stabilisation beams 32 slope downwardly and outwardly away from the lift structure 14. The two inner ends of each Y-shaped stabilisation beam 32 are fixedly connected to the upper ring 16, in particular at the same portions of the upper ring 16 to which a respective two of the lift structure columns are fixedly connected. The outer end of each Y-shaped stabilisation beam 32 is fixedly connected to a respective anchor member 34 which is in contact with the ground. An outer portion of the beam 32 which includes said outer end is cranked downwardly, i.e. the beam 32 changes in plane in side profile, such as to be inclined from the ground at a greater angle than is the mid-portion of the beam 32.

The aerodrome structure 10 further comprises a hanger structure 36 for accommodating aircraft entering and leaving the platform 12. The hanger structure 36 comprises a plurality of upstanding hanger structure columns 38 which are fixedly connected to a plurality of hanger structure roof members 40, ends of some of the hanger structure roof members 40 being fixedly connected to the upper ring 16 of the lift structure 14. An outer region of the hanger structure (i.e. to the right-hand side in the sense of Figure 2) includes an entrance/exit for aircraft to enter/leave the aerodrome structure 10.

Referring again to Figure 1, the aerodrome structure 10 further comprises an outer covering or cladding which is attached to the Y-shaped stabilisation beams 32 and defines a covered inner volume of the aerodrome structure 10. The cladding comprises a plurality of cladding segments 42, each of the segments spanning a space between an adjacent pair of the Y-shaped stabilisation beams. In this example, the cladding segments 42 comprise a fabric material, more particularly a PVC-coated polyester. Other materials may also be suitable.

In the example aerodrome structure 10 of Figures 1 and 2, the lift structure is configured to raise and lower the entirety of the horizontal platform 12. Regulations may require that various elements of VTOL aerodrome infrastructure have minimum dimensions relative to the maximum dimension of a VTOL aircraft with which they are to be used.

The smallest circular area capable of accommodating VTOL may have a diameter, Di. This diameter may be termed “the dimension” or “the critical dimension” of the aircraft. In Figure 3, a schematic plan view of a VTOL is shown together with a circle having the critical dimension Di of the VTOL.

A so-called “stand” for a VTOL, on which the VTOL may stand, for example for boarding, may be required to have a minimum diameter that is larger than the critical dimension of the aircraft. In Figure 4, the diameter of the stand D2 shown in the context of the critical dimension Di.

In addition, a flat safety area may be required to have a minimum diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stand. In Figure 4, the diameter of the safety area is D3. Furthermore, there may a further safety area required outside the flat safety area which, though not necessarily flat, is required to be free of obstacles. In Figure 4, the diameter of the safety area is D4. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the wider (non-flat) safety area may extend at least in part above the conical outer portion of the truncated cone that forms the exterior of the aerodrome structure.

The sizes (and perhaps also the shapes) of the areas with diameters D1 , D2, D3 and D4 may vary depending upon the location, the regulations and the guidance in place. One set of guidance I regulations may require as follows: that D2 is at least Di + 3 meters; that D3 is at least at least 2 x Di; and that D4 is the outer obstacle-free safety area is at least 3 x Di .

Another set of guidance / regulations may require as follows: that D2 is at least 1.2 x Di meters; that D3 is at least at least 1.5 x Di; and that D4 is the outer obstacle-free safety area is at least 2 x Di . As the skilled person recognises, guidance and regulations may be different in different jurisdictions.

Furthermore, in some locations the regulations or guidance may not be based on circular areas but areas having other shapes.

In the context of the aerodrome structure having a primary landing platform that is movable between an upper (landing and take off) level and a lower (boarding) level, it may be feasible with small aircraft to have the entire area having diameter D3 form part of the platform mounted to the lift structure. This is as shown in the example of Figures 1 and 2. However, for larger aircraft, it may be preferable to avoid providing the infrastructure necessary to lift the entire area of the safety area.

Figure 5 shows a highly schematic view of a second aerodrome structure 100 in accordance with the disclosure.

The aerodrome structure 100 comprises the primary landing pad 120 comprising the radially inner platform 130 and the radially outer platform 140. In addition, the aerodrome structure 100 comprises a secondary landing pad 150 which is static and at the same (upper) level as the primary landing pad 120. The aerodrome structure 100 further comprises a pair of aircraft bays 250 at the lower level. The aircraft bays 250 may have no roof.

Thus, in the aerodrome structure of Figure 5, for the primary landing pad only the stand (D2) and not the entirety of the flat safety area (D3) is movable up and down. The annular portion of the flat safety area that falls between D2 and D3 remains in situ at the upper level regardless of the vertical position of the inner platform. Furthermore, the portion of the obstacle free safety area that falls outside the flat safety area (that is, the annular portion between D3 and D4) extends beyond the flat area at the top of the aerodrome and over the conical outer portion of the truncated cone that forms part of the exterior of the aerodrome structure.

The stand is shown with diameter D2 and the lift structure assembly (not visible in Figure 5) is configured to lower and raise only the stand (diameter D2) whereas the annular safety area (outer diameter D3) is configured to remain in place at the upper level. In this way, when an aircraft lands or takes off, the stand is at the upper level and the entire platform (diameter D3) acts to provide a single planar area. However, once the aircraft has landed, only the stand (diameter D2) lowers to provide access by the aircraft to the lower level.

Beneath the secondary landing pad 150 there may be provided an aircraft hangar 160 (not shown in Figure 5). The hangar may provide facilities for maintenance and/or charging of the aircraft.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an aerodrome structure in which the lift mechanism moves only the inner portion of the primary landing platform representing the stand (D2) while an outer annular portion of the platform remains in situ (D3).

The Figure 6 embodiment comprises a secondary landing platform adjacent the primary landing platform at the upper level, and which does not have lift functionality. In this way, a VTOL may land on the second FATO and then move laterally to the central FATO to be moved via the lift mechanism to the lower level. Furthermore, since the secondary landing platform does not have lift functionality, it may be able to accommodate greater dynamic loads that may be associated with some VTOLs on take off and landing.

The Figure 6 embodiment further comprises a plurality of landing areas 160, 170, 180 at ground level outside a perimeter of the aerodrome structure 100. These are merely illustrative of further options for increasing aerodrome capacity.

Figure 7 shows a ground floor plan of an embodiment similar to that of Figure 6.

As shown, the aerodrome structure 100 may further comprise, at the lower level (ground floor), a passenger lounge 210, a security area 220, a command and control centre 230, a logistics space 240, the one or more open aircraft bays 250, and an aircraft hangar 260. One or more further FATOs 270 may be provided. A passenger pick up and drop off point 290 may also be provided.

Part of an annular area beneath the static platform portion (between D2 and D3, as shown in Figure 5) may be devoted to circulation space 280 between various parts of the aerodrome structure, including aircraft bays 250 and the passenger lounge 210.

Figure 8 shows various options for passenger flows between the various areas of the interior of the aerodrome structure, making use of the circulation space 280 accommodated in the annular area beneath the static portion of the platform. While Figure 8 shows passenger boarding and disembarking taking place in the hangars, it is also possible that passenger boarding and disembarking could take place on the platform when at the lower level.

Figure 9 shows how stands can be arranged as compound or hybrid stands. In particular, a large stand (such as that provided as part of the secondary landing pad 150) capable of accommodating a large VTOL may also provide a plurality of smaller stands 151, 152, 153, 154 capable of accommodating more than one smaller VTOL rather than only one large VTOL. This principle may be applied to any of the stands.

Figure 10 shows two cross sectional view of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure. In the top view, the radially inner platform is shown at the lower level illustrating how the VTOL can be moved laterally from the hanger or stand to the platform. In the right view, the radially inner platform is shown at the upper level from which either the VTOL may take off from the primary landing platform, or from which the VTOL may be moved laterally in order to take off from the secondary landing platform.

Figure 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth aerodrome structure 1000, shown in two different configurations, as explained further below.

The fourth aerodrome structure 1000 comprises a vertical airfield module 300, a plurality of aircraft hangar units 400 a plurality of passenger facility modules 500. Each of the plurality of aircraft hangar units 400 comprises a plurality of aircraft hangar modules 410 stacked vertically (see Figure 13).

The fourth aerodrome structure 1000 is of a modular construction. In this way, different combinations of vertical airfield module 300, aircraft hangar modules 410 and passenger facility module 500 may be provided, as will become clear.

Although it would not normally be the case that the vertical airfield module 300 would be deployed in isolation, for the purposes of illustration and in order to emphasise the modular nature of the fourth aerodrome, Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of the vertical aerodrome module 300 without any aircraft hangar modules 410 or passenger facility modules 500. The airfield module 300 may comprise one or more vertical circulation cores 190 comprising stairs by which personnel access to the top platform is facilitated.

The vertical airfield module 300 may comprise a plurality of legs 160 that sit under the outer platform and extend to the ground for supporting the upper platform. The vertical airfield module 300 may comprises a plurality of doors that cover each opening of the vertical airfield module 300 between the legs 160.

The vertical airfield module 300 of the fourth aerodrome structure 1000, as illustrated, is square in plan view. The square nature of the vertical airfield module 300 renders it particularly suitable for the modular nature of the fourth aerodrome structure 100.

Other shapes of vertical airfield module, such as polygons (including hexagons, octagons, etc.) may also be suitable and fall within the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure does not limit the vertical airfield module 300 to any particular shape.

The vertical airfield module 300 includes the primary landing pad 120 comprising the inner platform 130 and the outer platform 140. The vertical airfield module 300 also comprises a lift mechanism 310 for raising and lowering the inner platform 130. The lift mechanism 310 may comprise a lift link mechanism 310. In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the inner platform 130 is square and the outer platform 140 has a square external perimeter and a square internal perimeter. (It would be possible to have a vertical airfield module 300 that was square - per Figure 12 - but without having a square inner platform or a square outer platform. However, it is likely that the shape of the inner platform 130 would be the same as the shape of the vertical airfield module 300.)

As with the aerodrome of Figure 5, in the aerodrome structure of Figure 11, only the inner platform and not the outer platform is movable up and down. Movement of the inner platform 130 up and down may be effected by link lifts 310. (Alternative lift mechanisms may also be suitable.) The outer platform remains in situ at the upper level regardless of the vertical position of the inner platform. With reference to Figure 4, the inner platform may correspond to the stand (D2) and the combination of outer platform and inner platform may correspond to the safety area (D3). The outer platform (that is the portion of the flat safety area (D3) outside the stand (D2)) may be referred to as having the form of a topological annulus (since, not being circular, it is not strictly annular in the precise geometrical sense). However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the outer platform (that is the area outside the stand which is occupied by the flat safety area) may simply be referred to as annular. Any reference to annular in this disclosure should not be understood to refer to the shape of an outer platform (whether circular or not) minus the inner platform (whether circular or not). Similarly, any reference to radial, for example in the context of radially inner and radially outer, should not be taken to imply circularity.

Moreover, though the exterior perimeter of the outer platform 140 is the same shape as the perimeter of the inner platform 140 in each example in the illustrated examples, it is possible that the shape of the exterior perimeter of the outer platform 140 may be different from the shape of the perimeter of the inner platform 130. For example, the inner platform 130 may be circular while external perimeter of the outer platform 140 may be square. Or the external perimeter of the outer platform 140 may be circular while the inner platform 130 may be square. Other shapes of inner platform 130 and outer platform 140 fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The inner platform 130 and the outer platform 140 may comprise aluminium decking. The inner platform 130 and the outer platform 140 may have a painted finish. The inner platform 130 and the outer platform 140 may have painted line markings and/or integrated navigation lights.

In the arrangement of Figure 11, the aerodrome structure 1000 comprises four hangar units 400 (each comprising a pair of hangar modules 410 stacked vertically) and two passenger facility modules 500. Thus, each of the four sides of the square vertical airfield module 300 provides access to a hangar unit 400. Each of the two passenger facility modules 500 is provided at a corner of the vertical airfield module 300 between a pair of hangar units 400 (and in opposite corners from those occupied by vertical circulation cores 190, where present).

An aircraft transit apparatus, such as a winch or tug, may be provided in order to facilitate movement of an aircraft from the inner platform 130 into a hangar module 410 (when the inner platform 130 is at the same level as the hangar module 410 in question). A portion of the obstacle free safety area that falls outside the outer platform area (that is, referring to Figure 5, the annular portion between D3 and D4) extends outwardly, including above the hangar units 400 and the passenger facility modules 500.

Referring to the two different configurations of Figure 11 , on the left is shown the aerodrome structure 1000 with its inner platform 130 at the upper plane, while on the right is shown the aerodrome structure 1000 with its inner platform 130 at a lower level. With the inner platform 130 at the upper plane, VTOL take off and landing movements may be carried out. With the inner platform 130 at a lower level (e.g. at floor level or at mid level) access to hanger modules 410 at that level is provided.

Figure 13 shows a schematic cutaway side view of the fourth aerodrome structure 1000 in the first configuration with its inner platform 130 at the upper plane and in the second configuration with its inner platform 130 at a lower level.

The modular nature of the fourth aerodrome structure 1000 is particularly evident from Figure 13. In the cutaways of Figure 13, three hangar units 400 are visible, and each of the three hangar units 400 comprises a pair of hangar modules 410 stacked vertically.

As is also visible from Figure 13, the lower level hangars 410 may be at the level of the prevailing ground. When at its lowest position, the surface of the inner platform 130 is in the same plane as the lower level hangars 410. A pit 320 may be provided beneath the inner platform 130 in which the lift mechanism 310 may be housed. The lift mechanism 310 may be a link lift mechanism.

Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the fourth aerodrome structure with its inner platform 130 at a lower level and with the outer platform 140 and roof structures of the hangar units 400 removed.

The reader will appreciate, therefore, that the inner platform 130 has access to four hangar modules 410 when at the lower level (one hangar module 410 for each hanger unit 400) and has access to four hangar modules 410 when at the middle level (again, one hangar module 410 for each hanger unit 400). Figure 14 also shows access between the passenger facility modules 500 and the adjacent hangar modules 410. The passenger facility module 500 may comprise multiple levels. The passenger facility module 500 may comprise one level for each hangar module 410 level. Thus direct level access may be provided between the passenger facility module 500 and every level of hangar module 410.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the fourth aerodrome structure in which one of the lower level hanger modules 410 has an access door to provide access from the hangar module 410 in a direction away from the platform. The access door may facilitate removal of an aircraft from the hangar, for example for the purpose of longer term maintenance since it may be desirable for the hanger space not to be occupied for an extended period.

Figure 16 shows a highly schematic plan view and side view of the fourth aerodrome structure 1000 (centre) as well as a highly schematic plan view and side view of a smaller variation on the fourth aerodrome structure 1001 (left) and a highly schematic plan view and side view of a larger variation on the fourth aerodrome structure 1002 (right). From Figure 16, the flexibility of the modular nature of the four aerodrome structure 1000, 1001, 1002 is apparent. For example, a small aerodrome structure installation 1001 (on the left side of Figure 16) might involve one vertical airfield module 300, two hangar modules 410, one on either side of the vertical airfield module 300, and a passenger facility unit 501 (of a different design from that shown previously, since it is located with full access to one of the four sides of the vertical airfield module 300, rather than at a corner as per Figure 11). In another example, a large aerodrome structure installation 1002 (on the right side of Figure 16) might comprise 18 hangar modules 410 and two vertical airfields 300 with a passenger facility unit 502 (of a further different design to those shown previously) that sits between the two vertical airfield modules 300.

It should be noted that different hangar modules 410 may be deployed for different purposes, and indeed one or more hanger modules may serve multiple purposes. Such purposes might include aircraft loading/unloading of passengers or freight; aircraft storage; aircraft charging; aircraft maintenance; maintenance, repair and operations. Furthermore, one or more of the hangar modules 410 may, instead of serving as a hangar, provide passenger facilities instead of or in addition to one or more passenger facility modules. With reference to Figure 16, it should also be noted that the modular nature of the fourth aerodrome structure 1000 means that different elements can be added at different times. For example, a particular installation may begin as a smaller variation 1001 and subsequently have other elements added (or adapted) in order to transform to a larger installation (e.g. the regular variation 1000). That particular example of an expansion may involve extension upwards of the vertical airfield module 300 upwards, the removal of the passenger facility module 501 of the smaller variation, and the addition of additional hangar modules 410 plus one or more replacement passenger facility modules 500.

The lift mechanism of any of the foregoing aerodrome structures 10, 100, 1000 may comprise any appropriate lifting apparatus such as but not limited to a scissor lift mechanism, a link lift mechanism, a column lift mechanism or an integrated lift mechanism.

The aerodrome structure 10, 100, 1000 may comprise one or more electric chargers configured to charge a VTOL aircraft. Instead of or in addition to an electric charger, the aerodrome structure 10, 100, 1000 may comprise a battery exchange facility and/or a hydrogen refuelling facility.

The aerodrome structure 10, 100, 1000 may comprise one or more photovoltaic panels on an exterior face of the aerodrome structure. The aerodrome structure 10, 100, 1000 may comprise cargo handling apparatus.

The aerodrome structure 10, 100, 1000 may comprise one or more intermediate levels, between the upper level and the lower level. For example, an intermediate level may be for cargo. The lift apparatus may be configured to move the platform between the upper level, the lower level and the one or more intermediate levels.

While, in the illustrated embodiments, the landing pads are substantially circular or substantially square, other shapes would also fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the landing platforms may have a substantially polygonal shape (e.g. a hexagon, an octagon). Use of the words “diameter” and “radially” in this specification should not be interpreted as inferring that the shape of the platform is circular.

Similarly, while the illustrated embodiments have the radially inner platform concentric with the radially outer platform, this is not a requirement. While, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, two of the aircraft bays are shown without a roof, this is not a requirement and a roof may be provided as appropriate. If a roof is provided, it may be also that a perimeter wall with an opening or doorway is also provided.

While the term “landing pad” has been used in this specification, this should not be taken to mean that the landing pad is for landing only and not for take off. The term “landing and take off pad” would be equally appropriate.

The disclosure also envisages a further embodiment (not illustrated) in which the radially inner platform comprises a plurality of segments or sectors (which could also be described as a split/segmented platform) wherein each can be raised or lowered independently of each other platform. In this way, more than one VTOL aircraft may be accommodated and raised/lowered independently.