Avionics
eVTOL Programs Prompt Agile Innovation at Honeywell
Honeywell says AAM start-ups have made it more agile in its approach to innovation
Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL aircraft
Inceptors developed by Honeywell for Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft were based on technology developed for the Orion space program. © Vertical Aerospace

Tangible evidence of eVTOL aircraft nearing the start of commercial services has left Honeywell feeling vindicated for investing in dedicated R&D efforts in this sector five years ago. According to Dave Shilliday, who is general manager of the group’s advanced air mobility (AAM) business unit, working with start-ups chasing rapid paths to market, such as Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace, has made the aerospace group “more agile.”

The fruits of Honeywell’s labors include fly-by-wire flight controls and sidesticks specifically developed to meet the size and weight limitations of eVTOL architectures. For Vertical’s VX4 vehicle, Honeywell is now providing inceptors based on work done for the Orion space program.

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