Supernal and TruWeather Solutions to Introduce Real-time Micro Weather Forecasting for AAM Sector

Our Bureau - : Jun 3, 2023 - : 1:27 am

Supernal has announced a minority investment in TruWeather Solutions to leverage its weather data analytics and forecasting technology in Supernal's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle and operations testing. Weather forecasting is the latest aspect of the vast Advanced...

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Weather forecasting is the latest aspect of the vast Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem that Supernal is addressing in tandem to developing its eVTOL vehicle for 2028 entry into service.

As part of the investment, Supernal will pilot TruWeather's comprehensive V360° software-as-a-service product in the company's vehicle and surrounding operations to collect and integrate real-time distributed sensor weather data. V360° will provide Supernal with a comprehensive view of low-altitude weather and enable it to more accurately assess and predict weather conditions at critical locations and along flight paths. Supernal plans to deploy the TruWeather system in its future launch markets and make the infrastructure available to the broader AAM community.

"Supernal is pleased to incorporate TruWeather technology into our vehicle and operations testing as we work to make Advanced Air Mobility as safe and reliable as commercial aviation," said Adam Slepian, chief commercial officer, Supernal. "The concept is simple: Better weather measurements mean better forecasts for AAM operations. TruWeather's solution is advanced and can turn potential flight delays or cancellations into safe and timely passenger journeys for Supernal customers – and the entire industry."

V360° can deliver eVTOL operators wind and weather updates every 15 minutes with tens of meters of grid resolution at and around vertiports. This model has 1 kilometer or better resolution along flight corridors and captures the effects that buildings have on wind flow, which is critical when flying in urban environments. By comparison, the best data available in commercial aviation today is 2.5 kilometer resolution and does not provide for urban building disrupted wind flows.

"TruWeather is excited about Supernal's investment in our vision, team and capabilities," said Don Berchoff, co-founder and CEO, TruWeather Solutions. "We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with one of the premier mobility service providers in the world to further accelerate our learning and enable Supernal's success in building a safe, efficient business with an unparalleled passenger experience. Our job is to keep them flying safely and we know how to do that from a weather perspective with the help of our outstanding sensor and urban modeling partners."