Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa Conduct Early-Stage Test Flight of Small Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa Industries successfully conducted an early-stage test flight of a prototype small aircraft on September 21 at Fujikawa Gliding Field, Japan. This flight is part of a joint research project initiated last year, focusing on small aircraft development. The aircraft tested, the XU-L, is an R&D model equipped with a 499cc engine from Yamaha. Following the successful test, both companies plan to further their research collaboration in the aviation sector.

Positive

• Successful early-stage test flight of prototype aircraft.
• Collaboration with ShinMaywa enhances Yamaha's presence in small aircraft development.
• Utilization of Yamaha's existing 499cc engine may strengthen product offerings.

Negative

• None.

IWATA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan; President, CEO and Representative Director: Yoshihiro Hidaka) and ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (Headquarters: Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; President and CEO: Tatsuyuki Isogawa) conducted an early-stage test flight of a prototype small aircraft at Fujikawa Gliding Field in Shizuoka Prefecture on September 21.

Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa Conduct Early-Stage Test Flight of Small Aircraft (Photo: Business Wire)

This flight was run as part of the joint research project for small aircraft begun by both companies last year. The aircraft tested was an R&D aircraft owned by ShinMaywa, the XU-L (Experimental Utility aircraft – Large type), which was equipped with an existing 499cc engine manufactured by Yamaha Motor.

Following the success of this early-stage test flight, both companies plan to continue this joint research endeavor.

Test Flight Video: https://youtu.be/eTyQq4xPei8

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220926005011/en/

Kawai Maiko

Corporate Communication Division

Global PR Team

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

TEL: +81(0)3-5220-7211

ymc_pr@yamaha-motor.co.jp

Source: Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

FAQ

What was the outcome of the early-stage test flight conducted by Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa on September 21?

The test flight was successful, marking a significant step in their joint research project for small aircraft.

What type of aircraft was tested during the flight on September 21?

An experimental utility aircraft, known as the XU-L, was tested, equipped with Yamaha's 499cc engine.

What do Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa plan after the successful test flight?

They plan to continue their joint research endeavor in small aircraft development.

What is the significance of the joint research project between Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa?

The project signifies Yamaha's entry and commitment to the small aircraft sector, enhancing their market capabilities.

When did Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa begin their collaboration on small aircraft?

The collaboration began last year, leading up to the recent test flight.