Honeywell forms partnership to develop autonomous aircraft for US military
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is collaborating with two companies to accelerate development of autonomous aircraft for the U.S. military, the Phoenix-based subsidiary of Honeywell International Inc. (Nasdaq: HON) said Monday.
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is partnering with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Near Earth Autonomy and Italian helicopter manufacturer Leonardo to showcase unmanned aircraft capabilities for operations in so-called contested environments. The project is being coordinated through the U.S. Marine Corp.’s Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program, according to a company announcement.
Honeywell’s flight controls group based in Deer Valley will work closely with a flight testing group at the company’s hangar at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to augment a fleet of Leonardo’s AW139 test helicopters, enabling autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities.
“Uncrewed aircraft are a vital means of keeping service men and women out of harm’s way in contested environments. But they must also be advanced enough to reliably and efficiently perform their missions, even in GPS-denied environments,” Matt Milas, president, defense and space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said in a statement. “Together with Near Earth, we’re seeking to advance the reliability and functionality of autonomous technology and build products that support autonomous operations globally.”
The collaboration with Near Earth also allows Honeywell to explore additional opportunities for unmanned aircraft systems beyond the USMC initiative, according to the company.
Leonardo’s AW139 helicopters are used in defense, medical rescue, law enforcement and energy operations nationwide. For the ALC program, Leonardo plans to implement a fast loading and unloading system for modular containers on its AW139 helicopters.
Meanwhile, Near Earth will provide an integrated logistics system featuring onboard autonomy that guides aircraft and modifies flight paths to avoid hazards. The Near Earth system also provides the military with the capability to oversee supply deliveries in contested environments, according to the company.
Valley hosts air mobility summit
Honeywell’s announcement of its collaboration with Near Earth and Leonardo coincides with the inaugural Arizona Advanced Air Mobility Summit on Oct. 29 at SkySong, the Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center.
The event brings together business leaders, municipal officials and national experts to explore how advanced air mobility will operate in Arizona. Experts will discuss infrastructure needs, regulatory frameworks, use cases, ground transportation and economic opportunities for the emerging technology.
The event is held in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Honeywell, Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona Technology Council.
“Greater Phoenix is a model market for innovation in advanced air mobility, which will transform the way we move people, goods and data,” Chris Camacho, president and CEO of GPEC, said in a statement. “With a deep foundation of success in aerospace, aviation and electric and autonomous vehicles, the region is ideally positioned to adopt these novel technologies as a solution to many of our world’s transportation challenges.”
Honeywell earlier this month opened a new innovation hub at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus to equip students with engineering skills for careers in the aerospace industry.
For more information, visit Phoenix Business Journal