The operations model for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft will require wider-reaching, decentralized MRO, but digitally managing these maintenance activities and tracking compliance could become a major challenge for repair specialists scattered across the globe.
Robotic Skies, which has taken a leading role in building up the global MRO capability for commercial uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), is partnering with an aviation maintenance software provider to develop digital technology to manage these operations across its network of more than 240 independent Part 145 repair stations.
Under the partnership, Robotic Skies will work with Continuum Applied Technology to customize adapt its Corridor cloud-based aviation maintenance software platform to the unique requirements of the emerging AAM MRO market.
“Thousands of OEM-authorized service centers will be needed to serve the emerging commercial drone and advanced air mobility markets, and most will not be located at airports where aircraft are maintained today,” explains Mike Greig, executive vice president of Continuum Applied Technology.
According to Brad Hayden, CEO and founder of Robotic Skies, Corridor is well suited to providing a comprehensive workflow solution combined with the ability to manage repairs on a global level, while also supporting expanding capabilities and markets.
"We see AAM as a natural progression of UAS and middle-mile cargo, and therefore approach that market much as we have the rest of the next-gen space," says Hayden. “The Robotic Skies-Corridor partnership creates a one-stop, comprehensive solution that supports the unique UAS/AAM operations requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance for aircraft maintenance execution and maintenance tracking.”
Robotic Skies recruits Part 145 repair stations into its network for various skills, ratings and specialty services that are relevant for AAM and UAS, such as avionics installation, troubleshooting and repair. It trains technicians on specific maintenance procedures, airworthiness practices and regulatory requirements. The company also handles the business development aspect for its MRO network by bringing AAM and UAS customers to Part 145 repair stations.
The company plans to release the adapted Corridor platform for the UAS and AAM market later this year. Hayden says Robotic Skies anticipates that service centers in its network will begin using the software in early 2023.
Robotic Skies has received venture capital funding from a range of companies invested in AAM, including Boeing and Skyports. In December 2021 it received strategic funding from Hearst Ventures, which owns Continuum Applied Technology’s parent company, CAMP Systems.
-- with Graham Warwick
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