Honeywell and Japan-based electric automotive specialist Denso have formed an alliance to develop electric propulsion systems for urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles and plan to deliver initial units for flight tests with an unidentified developer by the end of 2022.
The agreement, which formalizes a teaming deal signed in 2019 focused on all-electric and hybrid-power concepts, follows Honeywell’s decision earlier this year to develop a 1-megawatt turbogenerator based on the company’s HGT1700 auxiliary power unit. Both moves signify a substantial expansion for Honeywell’s broader plans to provide electric and hybrid-electric motors, power and cooling systems for retrofits, UAM and unmanned aircraft systems.
Honeywell and Denso say they are in “advanced discussions with current and prospective customers and intend to deliver flight-test configurations of the electric propulsion systems within the next year.”
The U.S. manufacturer noted the alliance pairs Denso’s mass-production capabilities with its own aerospace specialization. “The alliance’s electric propulsion systems will integrate seamlessly with Honeywell’s fly-by-wire, avionics and actuation systems, extracting the most thrust and lift from every watt of electricity,” the company added.
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