Cityplanes

Cityplanes is a term that generally refers to small, light aircraft designed for operation within or near urban environments. These aircraft are often characterized by their short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing them to utilize relatively small, unpaved, or even unprepared surfaces. The concept of cityplanes can encompass various types of aircraft, including helicopters, small fixed-wing aircraft, and sometimes even personal air vehicles or drones designed for urban transport.

The primary purpose of cityplanes is to offer a more direct and potentially faster mode of transportation within densely populated areas, bypassing ground traffic congestion. They are envisioned for short-haul routes, connecting different parts of a city or linking a city to its surrounding suburbs or nearby towns. Potential applications include air taxi services, emergency medical transport, cargo delivery, and personal commuting.

The development and implementation of cityplanes face several challenges. These include noise pollution, safety concerns related to operating aircraft in urban airspace, public acceptance, regulatory hurdles, and the need for suitable landing and take-off infrastructure within cities. Advances in electric propulsion and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology are seen as key enablers for making cityplane operations more feasible and sustainable in the future. While the term is not a formally defined aircraft category, it represents a concept of localized urban air mobility.