Honeywell and Slovenian aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel to collaborate on urban air mobility projects

PHOENIX, Ariz., — Honeywell and Pipistrel have signed a memorandum of understanding that will bring both companies together to explore and develop solutions for the urban air mobility market. The companies will integrate Honeywell avionics, navigation, flight control systems, connectivity and other beneficial products and services onto a future Pipistrel Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) air vehicle to support fully autonomous operations in the future.

Urban air mobility is an aviation industry term for on-demand and automated passenger or cargo-carrying air transportation services, typically flown without a pilot. Urban air mobility services will bring innovative new ways for people to travel around cities and rural areas, while reducing congestion.

“This is the beginning of a long-term relationship to collectively pursue the future of urban air mobility,” said Ivo Boscarol, founder and president of Pipistrel.

“The urban air mobility market is an exciting space requiring innovation, but one that Honeywell is well positioned to support and grow,” said Carl Esposito, president, Electronic Solutions at Honeywell Aerospace.

Honeywell and Pipistrel will be using Honeywell’s experience in avionics and flight controls along with Pipistrel’s knowledge of aircraft design to support the initial phases of a demonstration program in early 2019. A schedule announcing flight demonstrations for the vehicle prototypes will be released later in the year.

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