PHOENIX, Aug. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A Honeywell
(NYSE: HON) breakthrough in compact satellite communications
technology will bring the safety, connectivity and efficiency
trusted for decades by airplane manufacturers and airlines to three
of Pipistrel's exciting new aircraft, including the fixed-wing
Surveyor and both unmanned Nuuva platforms, the V300 and smaller
V20.
Weighing in at only 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), Honeywell's Small
UAV SATCOM system is 90% lighter than the company's next smallest
connectivity system, yet it brings the same capabilities enjoyed by
larger aircraft to the Nuuva V300, V20 and Surveyor. Honeywell's
offering, a highly innovative and popular product targeting a
rapidly growing new market segment, will for the first time be
implemented specifically on an unmanned cargo or optionally manned
aerial vehicle.
"We are excited to offer our customers a global communication
solution, which is location independent and cost-effective," said
Pipistrel CEO Ivo Boscarol. "The
addition of Honeywell's Small UAV SATCOM to our unmanned aircraft
platforms unlocks global beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS)
connectivity for command-control, as well as mission-specific data
relay. Our customers will enjoy the ability to connect to their
assets anytime, anywhere, without the need to set up elaborate
ground-based BVLOS infrastructure."
Satellite communications, or SATCOM, refers to a broad category
of key technologies that connect aircraft to each other and to
operators or air traffic control on the ground via satellites.
Traditionally, satellite communications terminals have only been
available to install on larger business and commercial transport
aircraft due to their large size, weight and the power required.
However, Honeywell's Small UAV SATCOM system is 30% lighter than
competing options, customizable, and can be installed in different
locations on an aircraft to accommodate a wide range of
platforms.
"Honeywell's small UAV SATCOM system is a game-changer for small
or medium-sized unmanned aircraft, such as the Nuuva cargo or
Surveyor aircraft, that previously couldn't be equipped with
satellite communications," said Stéphane Fymat, vice president and
general manager, Unmanned Aerial Systems and Urban Air Mobility at
Honeywell Aerospace. "Now, they have access to everything we've
come to expect from the large-aircraft experience, like global
connectivity or fleet monitoring — but it's been packaged in a size
that is conducive to a much smaller aerial vehicle."
The system provides unmanned aerial vehicles with global
coverage and real-time video streaming to the ground. It also
enables beyond-line-of-sight capabilities, so vehicles can be
operated remotely beyond the operator's visual sight. It can be
used for a variety of applications, including logistics and
delivery services performed by UAVs. Also, the Small UAV SATCOM can
keep vehicles connected even in remote areas or over water where
other ground-based communications systems, such as 4G, are not
available.
Pipistrel's Nuuva V300 is a long-range, large-capacity,
autonomous UAV. It will take off and land vertically with battery
power, meaning it does not require a runway, and has significantly
lower operating costs than helicopters. It can carry loads up to
460 kilograms (~1010 pounds) for more than 300 kilometers (~186
miles), making it an ideal solution for deliveries to areas
traditionally accessible only by helicopter. Its smaller sibling,
the Nuuva V20, shares the same architecture and advantages of the
larger V300, but is designed to serve as a lighter cargo transport
vehicle carrying loads of up to 20 kg.
The Surveyor aircraft uses a fixed-wing design that is designed
to be customized with various sensors and cameras for use in
applications like wildlife management, coastal patrol, traffic
observation, or search and rescue efforts.
Honeywell is a major player in the emerging Urban Air
Mobility segment, offering a full line of avionics, flight control,
navigation, radar, communications, actuation, cooling, motors, and
turbo-electric propulsion systems — all tailored for piloted
vertical takeoff and landing, urban air mobility and unmanned cargo
vehicles. Honeywell also offers aerospace integration and
certification expertise for enabling the commercialization of these
vehicles.
For more information on Honeywell's advanced solutions, visit
the UAS/UAM page on the Honeywell Aerospace website.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually
every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace
business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin
electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components
and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more
fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer
skies and airports. For more information, visit
www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology
company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include
aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings
and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies
help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and
workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and
more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell,
please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
About Pipistrel
Pipistrel is a world-leading small aircraft designer and
manufacturer, specialized in energy-efficient and affordable
high-performance aircraft. With more than 30 years of experience,
Pipistrel has produced more than 2200 aircraft to-date, gaining
significant international reputation by delivering unique,
innovative products to passionate customers on all continents.
First-to-fly an electric two-seater in 2007 and the winner of the
NASA Green Flight Challenge in 2011 with the World's first electric
four-seat aeroplane, Pipistrel has designed nine different
experimental and serially produced electric aircraft, including the
first type certified electric aeroplane, the Velis Electro. It has
also developed propulsion systems, including batteries, power
controllers and electric motors, for small and general aviation
class of aircraft for NASA and Siemens, among others. With
involvement in standardisation committees, i.e. ASTM F44.40,
F39.05, SAE AE7-D, Pipistrel is helping to enable the future market
of hybrid-electric aviation.
Pipistrel Vertical Solutions, the company's R&D division,
holds an EASA Design Organisation Approval and has the capability
of bringing a new aircraft design concept from a basic idea into a
certified design, ready for production. The division is also
developing an electric eVTOL air taxi, as well as a hydrogen
fuel-cell powered 19-seat miniliner/microfeeder, aimed at
revolutionising the intra-European transport market.
Contacts:
Media
Amanda Jensen
(602) 245-9033
amanda.jensen@honeywell.com
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SOURCE Honeywell