Honeywell is teaming with Japanese automotive systems specialist Denso to develop electric propulsion units for aircraft. The partnership will initially focus on supporting developers of eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility (UAM) applications.
In a May 24 announcement, the two companies said they are already in advanced discussions with several existing and prospective customers to deliver equipment that could be ready to support flight testing within 12 months. They said that they anticipate early applications being for vehicles used for air taxi and freight-carrying operations.
Denso is a mobility technology group that makes systems and components for a wide portfolio of road vehicles. The company, which produces thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification, and electronic systems, has a North American operation based in Michigan. Its portfolio includes electric motors and controllers that could be applied to aircraft.
The partnership with Honeywell builds on an earlier teaming agreement made in 2019. Honeywell indicated that it expects to benefit from Denso’s extensive experience with mass production, as eVTOL aircraft are projected to be produced in large numbers. Both companies have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035.
Last year, Honeywell established a dedicated Urban Air Mobility and Unmanned Aerial Systems business unit. This division is now expanding its UAM laboratory in Phoenix.
In the UAM sector, Honeywell is focusing its efforts on developing flight controls (including fly-by-wire technology), auxiliary power units, and turbogenerators for new electric aircraft. It also offers integrated electric propulsion systems that could combine motors, hydrogen fuel cells, controllers, and power and cooling systems.
Honeywell has already announced partnerships with Pipistrel, which is using its attitude heading reference system and air data module for its Nuuva V300 cargo vehicle. It is also working with UK-based eVTOL aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace.
