Pipistrel, Honeywell Team Up On Urban Air Mobility

Pipistrel and Honeywell announced on Thursday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on "the exploration and development" of urban air mobility solutions. As part of the joint venture, the companies said that Honeywell avionics, navigation, flight control systems connectivity and other products will be integrated into a future Pipistrel autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

"Companies looking to make breakthroughs in urban air mobility face a wide range of technical, safety, certification and business challenges that come with developing a new mode of travel in an already very dense air traffic environment. An understanding of the aerospace complexities and legacy of innovative technologies can make all the difference in addressing this emerging market," said Honeywell President of Electronic Solutions Carl Esposito. "Pipistrel is a well-known leader in the light-aircraft space, and this is an excellent opportunity to support its vision of a future vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with our industry-leading avionics, flight control systems and other potential products and services."

Slovenia-based Pipistrel introduced several versions of an eVTOL design at Uber's second Elevate Summit last May. Specifics about the aircraft concept have not yet been released, but the company has previously said they are looking at designs that could carry between two and six people. In 2017, Pipistrel started new subsidiary Pipistrel Vertical Solutions to focus on eVTOL development.