Bell's eVTOL, Unmanned Efforts Draw Japanese Partner | Aviation International News

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Bell's eVTOL, Unmanned Efforts Draw Japanese Partner

Japan's Sumitomo said it would partner with Bell on developing eVTOL and drone technology, markets.

Bell is developing the Nexus for air-taxi operations. (Photo: Bell)

By Mark Huber • Contributor

April 3, 2019

Bell’s nascent eVTOL and unmanned programs appear to be getting another boost from a major Japanese partner. This morning, Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo announced that it is pairing with Bell to create “new logistics and transportation service with Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOL).” Sumitomo is a $68 billion international investment firm with holdings across a broad spectrum of industries including metal products; transportation and construction systems; environment and infrastructure; media; network; lifestyle-related goods and real estate; mineral resources; energy; chemical; and electronics. Sumitomo said its goal was to use Bell’s unmanned drones and air taxis to provide a variety of aviation services by the mid-2020s. In the interim, it said it will “conduct market research, improve upon existing technologies and build new businesses to provide high-quality services at affordable prices within the air mobility space.”

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