Honeywell Aerospace is looking to the future of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), applying their 100-year plus heritage in aviation and their “nose-to-tail and plane-to-ground” expertise Honeywell have begun partnering with companies in this emerging market predicting the that the continuing rise of ground level congestion will make UAM vehicles the only speedy means of travel across a metropolitan area.
“We’re applying our technologies in autonomous flight, avionics, electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, detect-and-avoid systems, actuation, flight infrastructure and connectivity to the unique needs of Urban Air Mobility vehicles.” Said a statement.
“We’re working with some of the most innovative companies in UAM, including Vertical Aerospace, Volocopter, Jaunt Air Mobility, Pipistrel, and the motor maker DENSO. And we’re constantly investing in new capabilities and scaling proven systems to meet UAM size, weight, power and cost requirements.”
Helicopter air taxis are already available in most major sites but the high running costs, noise and high energy consumption means there’s room in the sector for innovation and immense growth.
Urban air mobility aircraft, such as Beijing Yi-Hang Creation Science & Technology Co. ‘Ehang’ have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, ideal for built up areas avoiding the need of a runway. The majority of designs are electric and generate minimal noise.
“Our full-time UAM team is working with aircraft manufacturers, governments, universities, and newcomers from the tech and transportation worlds to advance the science of flight.” They add.
What does it take to create the technology needed by the coming urban air mobility market?
To answer that question, Honeywell Aerospace is sponsoring a new video series, “What It Takes.” The series focuses on electric and hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It highlights the practical aspects of actually making urban air mobility happen: the electronics, the propulsion, the mechanical components and the other systems needed to make these radically new aircraft not just flyable, but viable and safe.