An aircraft manufacturer based in Slovenia has chosen Honeywell’s compact satellite communications technology for three of Pipistrel’s new aircraft. The aircraft include 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 percent lighter than the company’s next-smallest connectivity system, but offers the same capabilities as larger aircraft for the Nuuva V300, V20 and Surveyor. Honeywell’s offering, a highly innovative and popular product targeting a rapidly growing new market segment, is being implemented for the first time specifically for unmanned cargo or optionally manned aircraft. “We are pleased to be able to offer our customers a global communication solution that is location-independent and cost-effective,” said Ivo Boscarol, CEO of Pipistrel. “The addition of Honeywell’s small UAV SATCOM to our unmanned aerial vehicle platforms opens up global connectivity beyond line of sight for command control and mission-specific data forwarding. Our customers will enjoy the ability to connect to their assets anytime and anywhere without having to set up a complex ground-based BVLOS infrastructure. ”Satellite communication or SATCOM refers to a broad category of key technologies that aircraft with each other and with operators or air traffic control connect on the ground via satellites. Traditionally, due to their size, weight, and required power, satellite communications terminals have only been available for installation on larger business and commercial aircraft. However, Honeywell’s Small UAV SATCOM system is 30% lighter than competing options, customizable, and can be installed in different locations on an aircraft to support a variety of platforms. “Honeywell’s small UAV SATCOM system is a turning point for small and medium-sized unmanned aircraft such as the Nuuva cargo aircraft or the surveyor aircraft, which previously could not be equipped with satellite communications,” said Stéphane Fymat, Vice President and General Manager, Unmanned Flight 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’s packaged in a size that is conducive to a much smaller aircraft.” The system provides unmanned aerial vehicles with global coverage and Real-time video streaming to the ground. It also enables Beyond Line of Sight, allowing vehicles to be controlled remotely out of the operator’s sight. It can be used for a wide variety of applications including logistics and delivery services performed by UAVs. In addition, the Small UAV SATCOM can keep vehicles connected even in remote areas or above water, where other ground-based communication systems such as 4G are not available. Pipistrel’s Nuuva V300 is a long-range, large-capacity, autonomous UAV. It takes off and lands vertically on battery power, so it does not require a runway and has significantly lower operating costs than helicopters. It can transport loads of up to 460 kilograms over more than 300 kilometers, making it an ideal solution for deliveries to areas that traditionally can only be reached by helicopter. Its little brother, the Nuuva V20, shares the same architecture and advantages as the larger V300, but is designed as a lighter transport vehicle for loads of up to 20 kilograms. The Surveyor aircraft uses a fixed wing design that can be customized with various sensors and cameras for use in applications such as wildlife management, coastal patrol, traffic monitoring, or search and rescue operations. Pipistrel is a leading global designer and manufacturer of small aircraft, specializing in energy-efficient and affordable high-performance aircraft. With more than 30 years of experience, Pipistrel has produced more than 2200 aircraft to date and has built a significant international reputation for delivering unique, innovative products to passionate customers on every continent. As the first electric two-seater in 2007 and winner of the NASA Green Flight Challenge in 2011 with the world’s first electric four-seat aircraft, Pipistrel has designed nine different experimental and mass-produced electric aircraft, including the first certified model of the Velis Electro electric aircraft. It has also developed propulsion systems, including batteries, power regulators, and electric motors, for small and general aviation aircraft for NASA and Siemens, among others. By participating in standardization committees, e.g. ASTM F44.40, F39.05, SAE AE7-D, Pipistrel contributes to opening up the future market of hybrid-electric aviation. Pipistrel Vertical Solutions, the company’s R&D department, has an EASA Design Organization Approval and is able to transform a new aircraft design concept from a basic idea into a certified, production-ready design. The division is also developing an electric eVTOL air taxi and a 19-seater miniliner / microfeeder powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which will revolutionize the intra-European transport market.
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