Honeywell, DENSO to Develop Urban Air Mobility Electric Propulsion Technology

DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, has signed a long-term agreement with aerospace leader Honeywell, establishing an alliance focused on electric propulsion units to meet new aerospace needs. Drawing from their automotive and aerospace backgrounds, the companies will develop and manufacture electric propulsion systems for aircraft, initially prioritizing the urban air mobility (UAM) segment with a focus on air taxis and delivery vehicles. The formal alliance follows the companies’ initial teaming agreement announced in 2019.

DENSO and Honeywell are in advanced discussions with current and prospective customers and intend to deliver flight test configurations of the electric propulsion systems within the next year. This focus on electrified power sources will not only help the companies fulfill UAM’s promise of providing cleaner, safer, more efficient, quieter and freer-moving transportation in and between cities, but also strengthen each company’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.

Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) equipped in the propeller section of both wings. Credit // DANSO, Honeywell

“Mobility needs are changing and this collaboration represents how DENSO is evolving to meet them,” said Jiro Ebihara, a senior executive officer and head of the Electrification Systems Business Group at DENSO Corporation. “While we have committed to achieve a carbon-neutral society, we still need to reduce traffic and offer eco-friendly movement in population-dense areas. Working with Honeywell will help address both these issues and furthers our goal of creating mobility that is green and offers peace of mind.”

The alliance with Honeywell enhances DENSO’s Second Founding, the company’s strategy to provide value beyond a vehicle-centric focus and produce the core technologies for future mobility. It also bolsters DENSO’s two great causes: “Green” – acting environmentally friendly – and “Peace of Mind” – creating a safer and more seamless world for all. These guide DENSO as it leverages its 30-plus years of electrification know-how to create cleaner, more efficient mobility and will help the company reach its 2035 goal to be carbon neutral. Honeywell has also pledged to be carbon neutral in its facilities and operations by 2035. The two companies plan on working together to “seek customers who can help transform how the world moves, making transportation safer, more sustainable and efficient.”

Why it’s important: DENSO’s ability to produce quality components at mass scale paired with Honeywell’s storied aerospace expertise makes for an alliance ready to take UAM to new heights. Additionally, the alliance’s electric propulsion systems will integrate seamlessly with Honeywell’s fly-by-wire, avionics and actuation systems, extracting the most thrust and lift from every watt of electricity. Honeywell has already formed numerous partnerships and contracts with OEMs including Pipistrel and Vertical Aerospace after the creation of its new aerial mobility business unit, which demonstrates the company’s bullish outlook and commitment to the budding industry.

Source // DENSO, Honeywell press release