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Honda Receives FAA Green Light to Begin Flying Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft concept was first announced in 2021.

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 04:52 PM ET

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A digital rendering of Honda’s hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft concept. [Courtesy: Honda Motor Co.]

Key Takeaways:

Honda Aircraft Co. received FAA approval to test a subscale model of its hybrid-electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft concept, marking its entry into this emerging sector.
The VTOL design features a unique system with separate vertical lift and forward propulsion propellers for reduced noise, powered by a hybrid-electric unit for an extended range of 250 miles.
Testing will occur at a new Honda Research Institute (HRI) facility in San Luis Obispo, California, specifically established for VTOL research and development.
Honda envisions its VTOL as part of a multimodal transportation ecosystem, a move mirroring other major automakers investing in or developing similar aircraft.

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Another of the world’s top automakers is stepping into the world of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

A spokesperson for Honda Aircraft Co., a subsidiary of the automobile giant, told FLYING the FAA granted an exemption to Honda Research Institute (HRI) to fly a subscale test model of the hybrid-electric VTOL concept it announced in 2021. According to the exemption, which was shared with FLYING by the FAA, testing will be conducted HRI’s facility in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.