Agility Prime presents an unprecedented opportunity to merge new but proven technologies to completely replace outdated paradigms in aerospace vehicle development and operations. Integrated with the Auburn University Department of Aerospace Engineerings Vehicle Systems, Dynamics & Design Laboratory (VSDDL) simulator, Avilutions eXtensible Flight System (XFS) avionics and mission software enables APEX development of a Common (UAM/ORB) Pilot/Operator Interface (CPOI)--both on-vehicle and ground--that gives pilot/operators the same immediate familiarity and standardized interfaces taken for granted by operators of other transportation vehicles (automobiles, boats, etc) for many decades. Featuring XFSs modularity and reconfigurability, the APEX simulator will also evaluate human-machine interfaces, test UAM/ORB vendor components and subsystems, assess UAM/ORB vehicle performance and flying qualities, provide pilot/operator training, and assess UAM/ORB operational concepts and support services such as air traffic management in dense environments. And, because Avilution markets its XFS source code to its customers and end users, Agility Prime managers can broadly distribute APEX solutions across the entire UAM/ORB ecosystem via Avilution use licenses without intellectual property barriers! During Phase I, Avilution and Auburn University will confer with commercial and DoD Customers and End Users to validate the CPOI concept and conduct early risk reduction tasks. In Phase II, the Avilution and Auburn team will design and develop a prototype CPOI and install it in the VSDDL simulator to develop and evaluate multiple UAM/ORB configurations, operator interfaces, and systems. In a follow-on Phase III contract, this simulator and support engineering team will be available for OEM- and Air Force-directed high-priority UAM/ORB investigations.
