A Deployable Vertiport Node Concept Using Cherokee MC2 and MVP for Operations and Infrastructure in Rotorcraft, eVTOL, VTOL, and UAS Missions

Abstract:
This paper develops an engineering concept and research framework showing how Cherokee MC2 (Mobile Command Center) and MVP (Mobile Vertipad Platform) can individually, and then as a combined system, resolve key operational and infrastructure challenges facing rotorcraft, eVTOL, VTOL, and UAS missions across civil, commercial, and military contexts. The investigation synthesizes current vertiport / vertipad design guidance, UAM and UTM operational architectures, and recent research on rotor downwash and degraded visual environment hazards to derive a deployable "vertiport node" architecture for austere and time-critical operations. MC2 is treated as the digital and procedural core enabling command, control, communications, data fusion, and manned–unmanned teaming, while MVP is treated as the physical landing interface enabling rapid, load-bearing, illuminated vertical-lift operations without fixed infrastructure. The primary contribution is a traceable topic-to-capability mapping supported by standards and research, plus a modeling, simulation, and optimization workflow to validate safety zones, capacity, scheduling, and resilience. Conclusions identify practical deployment pathways and research gaps for certification-aligned operations.

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