Honeywell's Satellite Antenna Keeps Drones Connected Beyond Visual Line of Sight
Honeywell Aerospace has developed a new satellite antenna designed to keep drones connected to ground controllers even when they fly beyond an operator's line of sight.
The lightweight antenna, built under the European Space Agency's Iris Global program, combines satellite and terrestrial communication links, automatically switching between them to maintain continuous control.
Honeywell tested the system in partnership with Viasat, using their network during live flights over Budkovice Airport. The demonstrations took place inside a U-space environment, Europe's digital framework for managing unmanned aircraft within regulated airspace.
The antenna was integrated with Honeywell's VersaWave satcom system, allowing the aircraft to hop between satellite and terrestrial links without losing command authority.