Honeywell Validates Satellite Command Link for BVLOS Drones, Eyes Industrial Production
Honeywell Aerospace has successfully validated a new satellite communications antenna for command and control of drones flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The technology, developed at Honeywell's European R&D center in Brno, Czechia, under the European Space Agency's Iris Global program, is now preparing for industrial production.
The lightweight antenna was integrated with Honeywell's VersaWave satellite communications system and tested with Viasat's satellite network under real flight conditions at Budkovice Airport. The configuration allowed command-and-control connectivity to switch between satellite and terrestrial networks during flight.
The tests demonstrated resilient connectivity in airspace shared with crewed aircraft, confirming that combining satellite and terrestrial communication links ensures operators maintain positive control of the aircraft even in demanding or complex scenarios.
Honeywell is evaluating Czech suppliers for inclusion in the antenna's manufacturing supply chain as it prepares for industrial production. The technology is intended for BVLOS applications including infrastructure inspection, logistics, and emergency response.