Honeywell has announced that Electra.aero has selected Honeywell flight control computers and electromechanical actuation systems for its nine-passenger hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. Additionally, Honeywell has made a strategic financial investment in Electra.
“Electra’s eSTOL aircraft combines blown lift technology with distributed electric propulsion, using battery packs and a turbogenerator to power eight electric motors placed along the wing’s leading edge,” said the companies in a press release. “This allows the aircraft to take off and land in under 150 feet, enabling flight operations from underserved and remote areas using unconventional locations like converted parking lots, barges and short fields. The innovative design achieves 40% lower fuel consumption, significantly reducing operating costs, emissions and noise for community-friendly operations.
“Honeywell’s compact fly-by-wire (cFBW) flight control computers are augmented by electronics, rather than manual controls. The computer or “brains” of the aircraft’s flight controls is about the size of a paperback book, compared with traditional technologies on larger aircraft that are roughly the size and weight of a loaded suitcase. Honeywell’s cFBW computer draws less power, helps reduce turbulence, and can dynamically adjust flight motors to enable smooth flight paths, eliminating the need for heavy hydraulics and control cables.
“Together, the compact size and lighter weight of both the cFBW flight control computers and electromechanical actuation systems are critical components for Electra’s eSTOL production aircraft.
Honeywell Ventures, Honeywell’s venture capital arm that invests in early-stage, high-growth companies with emerging or disruptive technologies, has made an undisclosed investment into Electra. The investment supports collaboration between the two companies, reinforcing Honeywell’s commitment to advanced air mobility and the future of sustainable flight.”
For more information
www.honeywell.com/us/en
www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
