Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

Innovative Materials for Urban Air Mobility

At PPG Industries, we are excited to be at the forefront of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) movement. Our advanced materials and technologies play a vital role in shaping the future of air transportation. As a leading aerospace supplier, we are dedicated to enhancing the safety, performance and efficiency of UAM vehicles.

What is UAM?

Urban air mobility refers to the use of air transportation systems to move people and goods within urban areas. It encompasses a range of innovative aircraft, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, designed to alleviate congestion, reduce travel times and provide efficient transportation solutions in densely populated environments.

Advanced Coatings

Our specialized coatings enhance the durability and performance of UAM vehicles. Designed to withstand the unique environmental conditions encountered by urban air vehicles, these coatings contribute to the longevity and reliability of aircraft components.

Aerospace Sealants

PPG offers advanced sealants that provide critical protection for UAM vehicles. These sealants are formulated to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring the integrity and performance of aircraft structures.

Specialty Materials

Through our brands Cuming Lehman and Dexmet, we supply specialty materials and expanded metal foils that are integral to various aerospace applications, including battery technology and fuel cells. These materials are essential for the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Aircraft Transparencies

We provide high-performance windows, windshields, and canopies that ensure optimal visibility and safety for pilots and passengers. Our transparencies are engineered for durability and clarity, essential for the demanding environments of urban air travel.

Explore Innovative Solutions For eVTOL Aircraft

PPG's support for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is closely tied to the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. As a leading supplier in the aerospace sector, PPG provides advanced materials and technologies that enhance the safety, performance and efficiency of eVTOL vehicles. Our offerings include high-performance transparencies, specialized coatings and sealants designed to withstand the unique challenges of urban air travel.

eVTOL Products

PPG provides advanced materials and technologies for eVTOL aircraft enhancing safety performance and efficiency in the growing Urban Air Mobility market.

Lightning Strike Protection

Dexmet's MICROGRID® expanded metal foils are engineered to exceed lightning protection standards, ensuring the structural integrity of eVTOL aircraft.

Products to Support Urban Air Mobility

PPG continues to leverage its expertise in advanced materials to support the emerging urban air mobility industry. Our products are engineered to meet the unique challenges of eVTOL aircraft and other UAM solutions, from battery pack materials to dielectric substances with a focus on thermal management and fire protection to ensure optimal functionality and reliability. Our expanded metal foils and dielectric materials are pivotal in protecting critical systems and extending vehicle longevity. These solutions not only enhance performance and safety but also contribute to advancing sustainable urban transportation, paving the way for modern cities to adopt cleaner, more efficient air travel options.

Battery Pack Materials

EV battery packs in urban air mobility vehicles must strike a delicate balance between fire protection and battery performance to ensure both safety and efficiency. These battery systems are critical for eVTOLs, as they not only provide the necessary power for flight but also need to be rigorously tested for thermal stability and fire resistance to mitigate the risks associated with high-energy operations. Incorporating advanced thermal management technologies plays a vital role in maintaining optimal battery temperatures, which prevents overheating and ensures long-term reliability. The integration of fire-retardant materials within the battery pack design enhances the overall safety profile, making them well-suited for urban environments where operational safety is paramount. Ongoing innovations in battery chemistry and architecture continue to improve the energy density and lifespan of these essential components, thus supporting the growing demand for efficient and safe urban air mobility solutions.

Expanded Metal Foils

Dexmet's MICROGRID® lightweight expanded metal foils are integral to lightning strike protection on the composite structures in UAM aircraft. These open area foils are engineered to provide enhanced conductivity while minimizing overall aircraft weight while exceeding the standard for lightning strike protection. Expanded metal foils can effectively shield sensitive electronic components from EMI/RFI helping ensure reliable operation of avionics, communication systems and battery management electronics. This electromagnetic compatibility is vital for maintaining safety and performance in the complex electrical environments of eVTOL aircraft. Incorporating advanced expanded metal foils supports the development of robust, interference-resistant systems, further advancing the efficiency and safety of urban air mobility solutions.

Dielectric Materials

PPG's dielectric materials are crucial for electrical insulation in high-voltage environments, which is important for the safe operation of battery packs in UAM vehicles. These materials not only prevent electrical failures but also reduce the risk of thermal runaway, a condition that can lead to catastrophic overheating and fire hazards. Proper integration of advanced dielectric materials is vital to ensure the electrical integrity and thermal stability of the power systems in urban air mobility vehicles. As the demand for higher efficiency and longer-lasting battery systems grows, the development of enhanced dielectric properties contributes significantly to optimizing the weight, performance and safety of eVTOL aircraft. PPG's innovations in dielectric materials play an instrumental role in the ongoing advancement of urban air mobility technologies, addressing both current challenges and future needs in this rapidly evolving industry.