AIBOT has selected Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) to supply its Compact Fly-By-Wire (cFBW) system for the support of AIBOT’s fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The adoption of Honeywell’s technology aims to enhance the next generation of aircraft avionics, contributing to the development of a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Honeywell’s Compact Fly-By-Wire system, compact in size and comparable to a paperback book, offers aircraft manufacturers like AIBOT increased flexibility in design without compromising power or safety. This lightweight system facilitates the elimination of traditional mechanical linkages, streamlining maintenance procedures and reducing costs over the entire lifespan of an aircraft.
The system allows for the seamless remote operation of the aircraft by translating instructions from the operator into flight control commands. Its envelope-limiting feature ensures safe operations, making it particularly well-suited for stabilizing uniquely designed unmanned vehicles, providing a stable flying experience.
David Shilliday, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace, stated, “Our Compact Fly-By-Wire system is a ready-now solution to advance the future of sustainable flight. It is derived from decades of expertise providing similar systems for commercial airliners. The collaboration will enable AIBOT to realize its vision of creating a sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem.”
The AIBOT aircraft, powered by eight electric motors, is designed to accommodate up to six passengers and a pilot. With a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds, the aircraft targets a maximum range of 250 miles and a top cruise speed of 250 mph, making it suitable for short-haul use cases between cities and metropolitan areas worldwide. AIBOT plans to commence production of fully autonomous heavy unmanned aircraft in 2024 for industries such as cargo, agriculture, high-speed inspection, and medical deliveries. The system architecture of these unmanned aircraft aligns with AIBOT’s manned aircraft, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 2025. Full product delivery for each aircraft is anticipated by 2028.
Jerry Wang, Executive Chairman of AIBOT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “AIBOT is poised to revolutionize the urban air mobility market by utilizing the latest in cutting-edge, safety-critical computing platforms, particularly those which bolster the high-performance processing needed for the next-gen algorithms we developed. Collaborating with Honeywell is a huge step forward for us and will help us power the most advanced software-driven aiEVTOL platform.”
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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