PHOENIX, Aug. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell
(NASDAQ: HON) is developing a new technology suite for light
drones that allows them to fly three times longer and with less
human intervention. Compared with traditional drones using
batteries and line-of-sight radio links, drones equipped with
Honeywell's Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) technologies can
fly farther, carry more weight, avoid hazards up to three
kilometers away and stream video of their progress anywhere in the
world.
"These are technologies that businesses have been waiting for,"
said Stéphane Fymat, vice president and general manager of
Honeywell's Unmanned Aerial Systems and Urban Air Mobility business
unit. "They will help make drones profitable for a world of new
applications."
Honeywell's BVLOS (pronounced bev-loss) systems are ideal for
missions where distance or terrain interfere with radio links or
visual guidance. Applications include last-mile package delivery,
military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, pipeline
and power line inspection, search and rescue, or use by first
responders.
The technologies draw upon Honeywell's decades of experience
building and certifying avionics, engines, and APUs for airplanes,
helicopters and military drones.
The BVLOS suite comprises:
- Honeywell's 600-watt and 1200-watt hydrogen fuel cells
- Honeywell's RDR-84K multipurpose radar
- Honeywell's inertial measurement units (IMUs)
- Honeywell's UAV Satcom - the world's smallest and lightest
satellite transceiver
The fuel cells in the BVLOS suite operate three times longer
than batteries with equivalent output. They work silently, unlike
gasoline engines, and emit no greenhouse gases. Operators can
refuel or swap hydrogen tanks in minutes, enabling more time in the
air.
Honeywell's RDR-84K is a phased-array radar that steers beams
electronically, meaning it has no moving parts and requires minimal
maintenance. It also requires no heavy cooling systems.
In addition to avoiding other aircraft, the radar can detect
obstacles, map terrain and identify landing zones. It can act as a
radar altimeter and provide mapping for alternate navigation if GPS
guidance fails.
The BVLOS suite will allow drone designers to combine data in
clever new ways to save weight and power. Its radar computes an
avoidance path using built-in circuitry, rather than requiring a
separate processor. Its satellite uplink can be used to download
real-time weather and traffic reports from other drones.
Honeywell's UAV Satcom and IMUs are available now, with some IMU
models priced as low as $1,800. The
RDR-84K and fuel cells are in late-stage development, and prototype
fuel cells are available for purchase and evaluation now.
"These innovations give drone builders and operators a whole new
range of options," said Sapan Shah,
product manager for Honeywell's Unmanned Aerial Systems and Urban
Air Mobility business unit. "More time in the air, more awareness
of surroundings and traffic, better connectivity: These are the
building blocks of safe, profitable drone operations of all kinds,
and that's what we're delivering."
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.
Contacts:
Media
Adam Kress
(602) 760-6252
Adam.Kress@Honeywell.com
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SOURCE Honeywell