Vertical Aerospace has confirmed a strategic partnership to use Honeywell’s fly-by-wire aircraft control systems on future Vertical Aerospace aircraft.

Vertical Aerospace has confirmed a strategic partnership to use Honeywell’s fly-by-wire aircraft control systems on future Vertical Aerospace aircraft.

Vertical Aerospace plans to launch its eVTOL aircraft by 2023. The company says partners like Honeywell “who have invested in the technologies applicable for the eVTOL market, making their systems smaller and lighter whilst having the knowledge and experience to keep safety at the forefront, are key to success”.

The agreement will provide Vertical Aerospace’s vehicles with Honeywell’s latest flight systems for urban air mobility. These include Honeywell’s new triplex fly-by-wire computers, which Vertical Aerospace says offer the critical redundancy it is looking for in developing incredibly safe eVTOL aircraft.

The agreement between Honeywell and Vertical Aerospace was signed at the end of June and will be integrated into a flying prototype in 2020.

Culmination

Michael Cervenka, Vertical Aerospace COO, said: “I’m delighted that Vertical is leading the way in signing this important contract with Honeywell. This is the culmination of a thorough evaluation, during which we have been impressed with Honeywell’s product offering and technical capabilities. Equally important is the speed, agility and level of support they have provided. I very much look forward to progressing to the next phase, on our exciting journey towards a fully certified aircraft.”

Carl Esposito, president, Electronic Solutions, Honeywell Aerospace, added: “Rapid technology innovation is at the forefront of our surge in meeting the urban air mobility challenge. We’re excited to work with Vertical Aerospace on installing our new compact fly-by-wire system in their eVTOL platform, helping their air taxi meet all safety, maintenance and operating objectives from prototype testing through deployment.”

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