XM156 Class I

The XM156 Class I is a high‑performance, single‑engine turboprop aircraft developed by Honeywell International, Inc. under its Advanced Aeronautics program. Conceived in 2012 to replace aging regional transport fleets, the prototype first flew on 14 March 2015 from Honeywell’s Wichita testing facility. Leveraging Honeywell’s expertise in propulsion, avionics, and composite structures, the XM156 integrates the company’s HTF7000‑A series turboprop engine, a fly‑by‑wire flight‑control system, and the next‑generation Synapse® avionics suite. Key features include a pressurized cabin accommodating up to 19 passengers, a maximum cruise speed of 370 knots, a range of 1,350 nautical miles, and a fuel‑efficiency improvement of 22 % over comparable models. The aircraft’s carbon‑fiber wing and fuselage reduce weight while enhancing fatigue resistance, and its health‑monitoring architecture provides real‑time diagnostics to ground crews. Since entering service with regional carriers in 2018, the XM156 has set new standards for reliability and operating cost, contributing to a 15 % reduction in emissions per passenger‑kilometre. Its successful deployment underscores Honeywell’s transition from component supplier to full‑aircraft manufacturer, cementing the XM156’s place as a pivotal platform in modern commuter aviation. It continues to evolve with planned upgrades for electric‑assist propulsion and advanced autopilot capabilities.