Pipistrel UCAV will utilise Honeywell navigation sensors

Pipistrel has selected Honeywell’s next-generation Attitude Heading Reference System and Air Data Module for its Nuuva V300 cargo UAV.

The technologies provide critical navigation and motion-sensing data and will work in tandem with Honeywell’s Compact Fly-By-Wire system onboard the aircraft. If the fly-by-wire system operates as the ‘brain’ of an aircraft’s flight controls, the Attitude Heading Reference System (AH-2000) and Air Data Module (ADM) act as the ‘heart,’ supplying critical motion data to all avionics systems and many mechanical systems. Both the AH-2000 and ADM are enablers for efficient vehicle operations with potential to serve several flight applications.

“Nuuva V300’s ground-breaking operational concept requires highly accurate, dependable and robust navigation sensors, whilst the AH-2000 and ADM are key enablers of this functionality,” said Tine Tomažic, chief technology officer, Pipistrel. “This technology allows us to deliver simple and intuitive mouse-click control to fly the vehicle, eliminating the need for operators to be trained with traditional piloting skills, which helps ensure rapid scale-up of operations for our customers.”

Pipistrel’s Nuuva V300 is intended to be a long-range, large-capacity, autonomous UAV. It will reportedly take-off and land vertically with battery power and at lower operating costs than helicopters. It can carry loads up to around 1,000 pounds for more than 186 miles.

“Unmanned aircraft, especially those delivering packages, must be equipped with highperforming inertial systems to ensure fly-by-wire systems are provided the best possible information on location, speed and position,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president and general manager, Navigation & Sensors, Honeywell Aerospace.

The AH-2000 uses Honeywell’s MEMS-based inertial sensors to deliver aircraft attitude and velocity information. It delivers attitude and velocity data to drive the fly-by-wire flight control system and provides navigation data to the fly-by-wire guidance system. This data reportedly provides the high level of safety normally seen on commercial aircraft but in a more compact size. This data is necessary for fly-by-wire control, navigation and cockpit displays. Honeywell’s ADM utilises pressure-sensing technology to provide avionics with measurements for accurate altitude and airspeed.

Vehicles like Nuuva V300 will change the way logistics companies fulfill package deliveries and we are proud to add our growing list of onboard technologies to

enhance safety and make flying easier.