Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa Sign Joint Research Agreement for Next-Generation Small Aircraft

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. have signed an agreement for the joint research of next-generation small aircraft.

Under this agreement, Yamaha Motor will explore avenues for adapting its small-engine technologies to the aviation industry.

*Base engine built by Yamaha Motor scheduled for installation in the prototype aircraft.*

ShinMaywa will adapt its aircraft engineering technologies and expertise—garnered through the development of flying boats and various other aircraft—to designing concepts, constructing prototypes, conducting tests, verify autonomous technology and more for small aircraft.

Both companies will use this joint research endeavor to explore possibilities for the commercialization of next-generation small aircraft and take into consideration the direction and future of the project based on market interest and other factors.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.