Hyundai Flying Vehicle Company, Honeywell Team for Pilotless eVTOLs

The Hyundai flying vehicle company developing eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles and Honeywell announced they are collaborating to develop a ground control station to enable the vehicles to be test flown without pilots on board.

The Honeywell ground control station operation would allow for the remote test operation of advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles.

Pilots on the ground would monitor and command the aircraft beyond-visual-line-of-sight operation while also accessing real-time aircraft data.

Supernal, which is part of the Hyundai Motor Group, is working with more than 50 additional companies to develop its eVTOL vehicle for commercial use starting in 2028.

"The Honeywell ground control station features a certified, decentralized and redundant architecture that offers persistent connectivity for remote operations," said David Shilliday, vice president and general manager, AAM, Honeywell Aerospace. "This integrated solution ensures seamless and reliable command and control over remote vehicles, further solidifying Honeywell's role as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility solutions."

The Honeywell Anthem Flight deck, which is part of Supernal flying vehicle systems, would integrate with the ground control station.

Honeywell's ground control station technology could ultimately manage thousands of vehicles across a series of stations, according to the company.

Related:Hyundai Flying Vehicle Company Opens Research Facility

"The collaboration with Honeywell brings unparalleled technological prowess to our flight test program," said Adam Slepian, chief commercial officer of Supernal. "Their ground control station doesn't just meet our current needs but also offers scalable solutions for the future."

Supernal recently opened a research and development facility in Fremont, California, to focus on developing battery technology for electric aerial vehicles (EAV).

That was the third facility opened this year by Supernal following the opening of an engineering headquarters in Irving, California, and a policy and commercial hub in Washington, D.C. 

Supernal is taking an open ecosystem approach to developing lightweight, powerful batteries for EAVs.

Supernal is also working with Microsoft and BAE Systems on various elements of its EAVs.

Hyundai’s Supernal “plans to harness our automotive manufacturing heritage to make advanced air mobility accessible to the masses,” the company stated.

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