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California-based eVTOL company AIBOT has chosen Honeywell to provide its Compact Fly-By-Wire system to support its aircraft. The Honeywell technology will enhance the next-generation aircraft and aid in the transition to sustainable transportation.
Honeywell's cFBW system is the size of a paperback book, providing aircraft manufacturers with enhanced flexibility in aircraft design without any compromise to power or safety. The system allows for the removal of traditional mechanical linkages used to control effectors, streamlining maintenance procedures and reducing aircraft costs throughout the lifecycle. The cFBW system also allows for the seamless remote operation of the aircraft by translating instructions from the aircraft operator into flight control commands on the aircraft. The system's envelope-limiting feature ensures safe operations by making it well-suited for stabilizing uniquely designed unmanned vehicles, thus delivering a stable flight experience.
"Our Compact Fly-By-Wire system is a ready-now solution to advance the future of sustainable flight," said David Shilliday, Honeywell Aerospace VP and GM of Advanced Air Mobility. "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."
AIBOT's eVTOL aircraft is powered by eight electric motors, able to accommodate up to six passengers and a pilot. The eVTOL has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 pounds, a target maximum range of 250 miles and a top cruise speed of 250 miles per hour. The AIBOT aircraft is suitable for short-haul use cases, flying between cities and metropolitan area across the world. In 2024 AIBOT will launch the production of its fully autonomous heavy unmanned aircraft for use in cargo, agriculture, high-speed inspection and medical deliveries. The unmanned aircraft shares the system architecture of the manned aircraft. The manned aircraft's inaugural flight is planned for 2025 and full product delivery by 2028.
The company's mission is to create an AI-defined, software-driven and autonomous eVTOL aircraft and system. AIBOT wishes to usher in the next era in aviation with its ultra-technological, hyper-performing and electric aircraft. With its eVTOL, AIBOT aspires to make the freedom of flight accessible to anyone, anytime and anywhere.
"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," AIBOT Executive Chairman Jerry Wang said. "Collaborating with Honeywell is a huge step forward for us and will help us power the most advanced software-driven aiEVTOL platform."