The official welcome center for SunTrax
Purpose-built to serve as your home base
Steep, complex angles, and multiple blind spots
Three-lane continuous loop track for merging and weaving
2.25-mile track that pushes speeds of up to 70 mph
Simulate a variety of intersection geometries and configurations
Multi-modal passenger transfers, including airports, hotels, and transit centers
Complex intersections, roundabouts, driveways, and other geometric conditions
Eight surfaces that test sensor exposure to noise, vibrations, and surface harshness
24-acre paved immersive, computer-generated environment
Multiple pavement surfaces configured to test under low friction conditions
Elevated 360-degree observation of the track and infield testing activities
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Research and Development at SunTrax establishes Florida’s premier testing hub for air and ground transportation innovation, featuring dedicated airspace, intelligent transportation systems, and collaborative research facilities to advance eVTOL development, aerial highway operations, and workforce training for the future of AAM.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is the future of transportation and Florida is taking action to become the first state in the nation to have commercial AAM services. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is leading the nation by bringing highways to the skies with AAM technology. From sleek next generation air taxis to powerful cargo aircraft, these cutting-edge aircraft are reshaping how we move people and goods faster, safer and smarter than before.
These aircraft come in a range of shapes and sizes that are suitable for new and faster transportation options and enhanced logistic solutions for cargo and emergency services. AAM operations are supported by a network of vertiports, which are full-service facilities that provide passenger or cargo pickup, recharging, maintenance, hangar space, and often connect to different modes of travel. The typical characteristics of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) make these aircraft viable in many different use cases.
Florida is committed to working with the AAM industry and is investing in key infrastructure like vertiports and testing centers to support it. With friendly regulations, a focus on innovation, and development of a strong and ready workforce, Florida is well-positioned to help AAM companies launch and grow profitable business.
As AAM becomes a viable solution for modern travel, Florida is building an intercity “Aerial Highway Network” focused on filling in the gaps to connect major metropolitan areas across the state. This next-generation travel corridor will leverage AAM technology, including eVTOL aircraft, low-altitude flight routes, and strategically placed vertiports. By creating seamless aerial links between economic and population centers, this network will offer both business and leisure travelers, faster and more flexible alternatives to traditional ground transportation.
The SunTrax campus is a leading hub for modern transportation innovation, dedicated to the extensive testing of advanced transportation solutions. This state-of-the-art center boasts the latest advancements in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles, providing an optimal environment for testing and development.
Strategically located just off the I-4 corridor and outside the airspace of both Tampa and Orlando International Airports, SunTrax is now expanding to integrate air transportation research into its impressive portfolio. This expansion includes a landing facility and the use of dedicated air space above the campus and facility to support AAM initiatives.
The AAM infrastructure at SunTrax will be developed over time. Early development phases will consist of a passenger terminal, at-grade vertiports, access roads with vehicle staging, eVTOL parking positions and charging station, and research and development hangar. Once completed, Florida will have the first aerial test track facility in the nation.
*Accelerating the Design and Certification of eVTOLs.
FDOT’s strategic investments in vertiports and other key infrastructure projects, including the development of FL’s AAM Headquarters, will position Florida to be the first state in the nation to have profitable AAM operations. With an emphasis on speed to market and innovation, Florida is committed, invested, and fully prepared to welcome AAM industry leaders to take part in building Florida’s “Aerial Highway Network”.
The first AAM Aerial Highway Network will be established, including the identification of profitable use cases and formation of binding partnerships to develop network stations.
The new Florida AAM Headquarters at the SunTrax Campus will be operational, serving as a hub within the Aerial Highway Network.
AAM supporting infrastructure will be fully activated and ready to deploy profitable commercial services for passenger travel.
