FARNBOROUGH, U.K.- Electra.aero, Inc. in Manassas, Va. needed flight control computers and electromechanical actuation systems for its nine-passenger hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. They found their solution from Honeywell in Phoenix. Honeywell has also made a strategic financial investment in Electra.
Electra’s eSTOL aircraft uses blown lift technology and distributed electric propulsion, powered by battery packs and a turbogenerator driving eight electric motors along the wing’s leading edge. This design allows for takeoff and landing in under 150 feet, enabling operations from unconventional locations such as parking lots, barges, and short fields. The aircraft achieves 40% lower fuel consumption, reducing costs, emissions, and noise.
“Electra’s aircraft is perfectly suited to regional air mobility and will enable new access to grow this market,” said David Shilliday, vice president of Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our ability to pre-integrate multiple subsystems will not only help reduce the time it takes to install and integrate these technologies, but it will also enable Electra to expedite and streamline production of its groundbreaking eSTOL aircraft.”
Related: OMNI Air Taxi selects Honeywell's radar system for helicopter fleet upgrade
Honeywell’s compact fly-by-wire flight control computers, about the size of a paperback book, replace traditional manual controls. These computers draw less power, help reduce turbulence, and dynamically adjust flight motors, eliminating the need for heavy hydraulics and control cables.
Honeywell’s electromechanical actuation systems convert electricity into mechanical force, ensuring safe and efficient flight. These actuators, which perform tasks like moving wing flaps, are smaller, lighter, more reliable, and have 10% greater power density than most current aerospace actuators.
The combination of compact flight control computers and electromechanical actuation systems is crucial for Electra’s eSTOL aircraft production. Honeywell Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, has made an undisclosed investment in Electra, supporting their collaboration and reinforcing Honeywell’s commitment to advanced air mobility and sustainable flight.
Related: Electra's hybrid test aircraft achieves first ultra-short eSTOL takeoff and landing
"Honeywell brings deep expertise in control system design, development, and certification to support Electra’s goal of creating sustainable, efficient, and accessible air travel,” said JP Stewart, vice president and general manager of Electra. “Honeywell Aerospace Technologies has seamlessly integrated best-in-class and mature flight control technologies, which we believe will be a game changer for making safer, more affordable, and sustainable aircraft, ultimately enabling air travel without the airports.”
