Phoenix-based Honeywell to Provide Sitcom Technology to Pipistrel

A Slovenian aircraft manufacturing company has chosen Honeywell’s compact satellite communication technology for three of Pipistrel’s new aircraft.

The aircraft includes the fixed-wing surveyor and the two unmanned Nuuva platforms, the V300 and the smaller V20.

Weighing just 2.2 pounds, Honeywell’s Small UAV SATCOM system is 90% lighter than the company’s next smallest connectivity system, but it brings the same capabilities of larger aircraft to the Nuuva V300, V20 and Surveyor. .

Honeywell’s offering, a very innovative and popular product targeting a new and rapidly growing market segment, will for the first time be specifically implemented on an unmanned cargo vehicle or possibly an aerial vehicle with a pilot.

“We are delighted to offer our customers a comprehensive, location-independent and cost-effective communications solution,” said Ivo Boscarol, CEO of Pipistrel. “The addition of Honeywell’s Small UAV SATCOM to our unmanned aircraft platforms opens up global connectivity beyond the visual line of sight for control-command, as well as the relay of mission-specific data. Our customers will appreciate the ability to connect to their assets anytime, anywhere, without the need to set up an elaborate BVLOS ground 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 communication terminals were only available for installation on larger business and commercial transport aircraft due to their large size, weight, and power requirements. However, Honeywell’s Small UAV SATCOM system is 30% lighter than competing options, customizable, and can be installed in multiple locations on an aircraft to accommodate a wide variety of platforms.

“Honeywell’s small SATCOM UAV system is a game-changer for small to medium-sized unmanned aircraft, such as Nuuva or Surveyor cargo planes, which previously could not be equipped with satellite communications,” said Stéphane Fymat, vice -President and Managing Director. , Unmanned Aerial Systems and Urban Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace. “Now they have access to everything we expect from the large aircraft experience, like global connectivity or fleet monitoring, but it has been packaged in a size suitable for a much smaller air vehicle. “

The system provides unmanned aerial vehicles with global coverage and real-time video broadcast on the ground. It also enables capabilities beyond line-of-sight, so vehicles can be controlled remotely beyond the visual sight of the operator. It can be used for a variety of applications, including logistics and delivery services provided by drones. In addition, the SATCOM Small UAV can keep vehicles connected even in remote areas or above water where other ground communication systems, such as 4G, are not available.

Pipistrel’s Nuuva V300 is a long range, high capacity autonomous drone. It will take off and land vertically on battery power, meaning it does not require a runway and has significantly lower operating costs than helicopters. It can carry loads of up to 460 kilograms over 300 kilometers, making it an ideal solution for deliveries to areas traditionally accessible only by helicopter. Its little brother, the Nuuva V20, shares the same architecture and benefits as the larger V300, but is designed to serve as a lighter cargo transport vehicle carrying loads of up to 20 kilograms.

The Surveyor aircraft uses a fixed-wing design designed to be customized with various sensors and cameras for use in applications such as wildlife management, coastal patrol, traffic observation, or search and rescue efforts. .

Pipistrel is a world leader in the design and manufacture of small aircraft, specializing in high performance, fuel efficient and affordable aircraft. With over 30 years of experience, Pipistrel has produced over 2,200 aircraft to date, gaining an important international reputation by delivering unique and innovative products to passionate customers on all continents. First to fly an electric two-seater in 2007 and winner of the NASA Green Flight Challenge in 2011 with the world’s first four-seater electric aircraft, Pipistrel has designed nine different experimental and mass-produced electric aircraft, including the first type certified electric aircraft, the Velis Electro. She has also developed propulsion systems, including batteries, power controllers and electric motors, for small and general aviation aircraft for NASA and Siemens, among others. By participating in standardization committees, namely ASTM F44.40, F39.05, SAE AE7-D, Pipistrel is helping to open up the future market for hybrid-electric aviation.

Pipistrel Vertical Solutions, the company’s R&D division, holds EASA Design Organization Approval and has the ability to transform a new aircraft design concept from a basic idea into a certified, ready design. to be produced. The division is also developing an eVTOL electric air taxi, as well as a 19-seater hydrogen fuel cell-powered miniliner / microfeeder, aimed at revolutionizing the intra-European transport market.