Honeywell's Newest Turbogenerator Will Power Hybrid-Electric Aircraft, Run On Biofuel

Rhea-AI Summary

Honeywell (NYSE: HON) is developing a power source for hybrid-electric aircraft, set for demonstration in 2021. The new 1-Megawatt generator, weighing 280 pounds, delivers power to various aircraft types and is 2.5 times more powerful than previous versions. It runs on sustainable aviation biofuel and conventional fuels. This initiative aligns with urban air mobility trends, as the industry seeks electric propulsion systems. Honeywell's collaboration with Faradair Aerospace aims to produce 300 hybrid-electric aircraft by 2030, enhancing its role in sustainable aviation.

Positive

• Developing a new 1-Megawatt generator for hybrid-electric aircraft, enhancing energy efficiency.
• The turbogenerator runs on sustainable aviation biofuel, supporting eco-friendly initiatives.
• Collaboration with Faradair Aerospace targets delivery of 300 hybrid-electric aircraft by 2030.

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• None.

PHOENIX, March 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced it is developing a power source for hybrid-electric aircraft, planned for demonstration later this year.

At 280 pounds, the Honeywell 1-Megawatt generator weighs about the same as a motor scooter but delivers enough energy to power an entire neighborhood block. This generator will be combined with the Honeywell HGT1700 auxiliary power unit, currently flown on every Airbus A350 XWB, to form a turbogenerator 2.5 times more powerful than the version the company unveiled in 2019. 

The new turbogenerator from Honeywell will be able to run on aviation biofuel, including Honeywell Green Jet Fuel, which is chemically similar to fossil fuel but made from more sustainable alternatives, as well as conventional jet fuel and diesel. Honeywell's turbogenerator can be used to operate high-power electric motors or charge batteries and can satisfy missions from heavy-lift cargo drones to air taxis, or commuter aircraft. The first demonstration of this turbogenerator system will occur in the third quarter of 2021, with ongoing development and qualification to follow.

"There is an inherent need for electric and hybrid-electric power as the urban air mobility segment takes shape and unmanned aerial vehicles enter service," said Stephane Fymat, vice president and general manager for Unmanned Aerial Systems and Urban Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace. "Our turbogenerators provide a safe, lightweight package to serve these burgeoning segments, and we're designing our solutions to meet the unique needs of customers developing aerial vehicles of the future."

Traditionally, aircraft use fuel-burning engines to mechanically turn rotors, propellers or fans. Many new designs, however, use a distributed electric propulsion architecture, in which many electric motors can be tilted or turned off for vertical takeoff and horizontal flight. A Honeywell turbogenerator can provide electric power for multiple electric motors anywhere on an aircraft.

"Honeywell's unrivaled legacy in the manufacturing of auxiliary power units and larger gas turbine engines gives us the ability to create unique power systems for future vehicles," said Taylor Alberstadt, senior director of Power Systems Business Development at Honeywell Aerospace. "We think the future of aviation will include many new types of propulsion and power systems, and Honeywell is prepared to lead the way in their development." 

In December, Honeywell signed a memorandum of understanding with British startup Faradair Aerospace to collaborate on systems and a turbogeneration unit that will run on sustainable aviation fuel to power Faradair's Bio Electric Hybrid Aircraft (BEHA). Faradair intends to deliver 300 hybrid-electric BEHAs into service by 2030, of which 150 will be in a firefighting configuration. Honeywell is in advanced discussions with several other potential turbogenerator customers, working to help define power requirements based on mission profiles required by various manufacturers.

Honeywell unveiled its first turbogenerator for urban air mobility (UAM) at the 2019 HAI HELI-EXPO in Atlanta. It combined Honeywell's HTS900 turboshaft engine with two 200-kilowatt generators. Since then, the company continues to grow its role in the UAM segment, highlighted by advancements in electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems.

Honeywell is a major player in the emerging UAM segment, offering a full line of avionics, propulsion and operational systems—all tailored for piloted and autonomous vertical take-off and landing UAM and cargo vehicles. Honeywell also offers aerospace integration and certification expertise for enabling the commercialization of these vehicles.

Honeywell pioneered the sustainable aviation fuel market with its UOP Ecofining process. Honeywell Green Jet Fuel produced by this process is blended seamlessly with petroleum-based jet fuel at commercial scale. When used in up to a 50% blend with petroleum-based jet fuel, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel requires no changes to aircraft technology and meets all critical specifications for flight.

Learn more about UOP renewable energy technologies at www.uop.honeywell.com.

For more information on Honeywell's advanced solutions, visit the UAS/UAM page on the Honeywell Aerospace website.

About Honeywell

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Contacts:

Media
Adam Kress                                                                             
(602) 760-6252                                                                          
Adam.Kress@honeywell.com

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SOURCE Honeywell

FAQ

What is Honeywell's new power source for hybrid-electric aircraft?

Honeywell is developing a 1-Megawatt generator designed for hybrid-electric aircraft, which will be demonstrated in 2021.

What fuels can Honeywell's turbogenerator operate on?

The turbogenerator can run on sustainable aviation biofuel, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel, conventional jet fuel, and diesel.

What is the significance of the 1-Megawatt generator's weight?

Weighing 280 pounds, the 1-Megawatt generator is lightweight yet powerful enough to provide energy to an entire neighborhood block.

When will the first demonstration of the new turbogenerator occur?

The first demonstration of Honeywell's new turbogenerator is scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.

What role is Honeywell playing in urban air mobility?

Honeywell is a major player in urban air mobility, offering avionics, propulsion, and operational systems for emerging aerial vehicles.