Textron Inc. company Bell and Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. have announced a strategic collaboration for the “future of civilian aerial logistics.”

With aspirations of being a global leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) logistics, Bell and Yamato plan to achieve this by working together to integrate innovative autonomous UAS and package handling systems in an effort to create an exceptional customer experience for on-demand logistics services.

The companies expect to introduce their initial product into service by mid-2020s.

“In the past few years, our Bell team has renewed focus on novel innovative solutions to better serve our operators globally, and we are excited to use our expertise to redefine the practice of civilian logistics,” says Scott Drennan, Bell’s vice president of Innovation.

“Through this joint effort, we are eager to set a new precedent for on-demand delivery and future large-scale logistics.”  

For the initial demonstration activities, Bell will lead the design, development and production of its Autonomous Pod Transport (APT). Meanwhile, Yamato will develop a customized detached pod, which will highlight future ground-handling capabilities. 

Bell and Yamato’s goal is to showcase the integration of the current ground logistics network with vertical lift capabilities to provide “new and innovative services to their customers.”

“We have provided logistics services for almost a century and are excited to invest in future services with next-generation technical solutions in collaboration with Bell to provide higher quality deliveries to our customers,” says Shinji Makiura, Yamato’s Management Executive Officer of innovation and business strategy.

According to Bell, its APT utilizes a tail-sitting eVTOL configuration, as well as an innovative payload pod. Capable of reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, the eVTOL is diverse in that it can be small enough to handle loads up to 15 pounds, or large enough to transport 1,000 pounds.

Bell says that the APT capability enables a “whole new level of expedited service and operational efficiency.”