Honeywell providing fly-by-wire system for AIBOT’s electric aircraft

Honeywell is to provide its Compact Fly-By-Wire (cFBW) to Californian electric aircraft developer,  Aibot for use in its eVTOL.

Honeywell’s lightweight cFBW system, the size of a paperback book enables greater flexibility in aircraft design without compromising power or safety. The system’s envelope-limiting feature guarantees safe operations, according to Honeywell, making it particularly good at stabilising unmanned vehicles.

David Shilliday, vice president and general manager, Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell Aerospace said: “Our Compact Fly-By-Wire system is a ready-now solution to advance the future of sustainable flight. It is derived from decades of expertise providing similar systems for commercial airliners. The collaboration will enable Aibot to realise its vision of creating a sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem.”

Aibot’s aircraft, to be powered by eight electric motors, will carry up to six passengers and a pilot. With maximum takeoff weight of 7,000lbs, the aircraft has a target maximum range of 250 miles and a top cruise speed of 250mph. 

Honeywell’s Compact Fly-By-Wire system is designed for any electric or hybrid aircraft and traditional Part 23 platforms. (credit: Honeywell)

Jerry Wang, executive chairman, Aibot said: “We are poised to revolutionise the urban air mobility market by utilising 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. Collaborating with Honeywell is a huge step forward for us and will help us power the most advanced software-driven aiEVTOL platform.”

In 2024, Aibot will begin producing autonomous heavy unmanned aircraft for industries like cargo, agriculture, high-speed inspection, and medical deliveries. Advancements here will be shared with the system architecture for its manned aircraft, for which the inaugural flight will be in 2025. Full product delivery of each aircraft is expected by 2028, claim Aibot.