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

Authors: Yeon Jae Choi; Hyun Jin Cho; Ye Yun Kwun; Sanghak Lee

Addresses: Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, Saint Louis University, 3674 Lindell Blvd, Davis-Shaughnessy Hall 458, St. Louis, MO, 63108, USA ' School of Business, Korea Aerospace University, 76 Hanggongdaehak-ro, Goyang-city, Gyenggi-do, 10540, South Korea ' School of Business, Korea Aerospace University, 76 Hanggongdaehak-ro, Goyang-city, Gyenggi-do, 10540, South Korea ' School of Business, Korea Aerospace University, 76 Hanggongdaehak-ro, Goyang-city, Gyenggi-do, 10540, 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.

Keywords: eVTOL; electric vertical take-off and landing; PAV; personal air vehicle; AHP; analytic hierarchy process; TRL; technology readiness level; IPA; importance-performance analysis; South Korea.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2022.128774

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2022 Vol.89 No.3/4, pp.293 - 325

Received: 26 Jun 2021
Accepted: 30 Mar 2022

Published online: 03 Feb 2023 *

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