SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - Another of the world’s top automakers is stepping into the world of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
A spokesperson for Honda Aircraft Co., a subsidiary of the automobile giant, told Flying the FAA granted an exemption to Honda Research Institute (HRI) to fly a subscale test model of the hybrid-electric VTOL concept it announced in 2021. According to the exemption, which was shared with FLYING by the FAA, testing will be conducted HRI's facility in San Luis Obispo County, Calif., Jack Daleo writes for Flying.
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The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
21 November 2024 - Honda’s VTOL design diverges from tiltrotor systems by using eight small vertical lift propellers and two rear-mounted propulsion propellers, reducing noise compared to helicopters. The company aims to create a multimodal transportation ecosystem, integrating VTOLs with cars, buses, trains, and public transit. It also envisions VTOLs supporting cargo logistics and emergency services.
Honda Research Institute (HRI) has received an exemption to advance its VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft research, opening a new facility in San Luis Obispo, California, in May. The site, built around an airfield, includes hangars, offices, a control room, and a test pad. Honda Aircraft, known for its HA-420 HondaJets, which debuted in 2015, shifted focus in 2021 to developing VTOL designs for short commutes, corporate travel, and logistics.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
