Honeywell has successfully demonstrated a new ground control station for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The test, conducted in collaboration with Frequentis, an Austrian communication systems provider, marks a significant advancement in remotely piloted aircraft operations within European airspace.
The successful flight test is part of the Honeywell-led Project OperA, one of two Honeywell projects funded by the European Union’s SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. OperA aims to develop solutions for complex operations of advanced air mobility, piloted eVTOL aircraft, and uncrewed cargo aircraft in real-life European airspace.
The new two-display ground control station, operated from Honeywell’s Brno research and development facility, represents a leap forward in uncrewed aircraft control technology.
Key Features:
- Real-time data exchange with air traffic control
- Enhanced U-space services integration
- Initial implementation of ground-based detect and avoid solution
The system leverages advanced functionalities to enable collaborative interfaces with air traffic control, allowing operators to receive commands for increased operational efficiency. It also incorporates Frequentis’ U-space services, including mission conformance monitoring and tactical conflict detection.
David Shilliday, Vice President and General Manager, Advanced Air Mobility at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, stated; “As the air mobility industry evolves, Honeywell continues to lead in providing innovative solutions that enhance both safety and efficiency. These demonstrations are a critical step toward integrating advanced air mobility systems into everyday airspace, promising significant advancements in drone operations.”
Günter Graf, Vice President, New Business Development at Frequentis, commented; “The OperA research project provides Frequentis with an innovative environment to enhance existing solutions and develop new technologies. The validation exercise in Amstetten was a significant milestone in ensuring the seamless integration of the extended and highly automated U-space services, including mission conformance monitoring and tactical conflict detection, with Honeywell’s ground control station and data exchange in real time.”
The demonstration, conducted in Amstetten, Austria, in June 2024, utilized both simulated and real drones to showcase the system’s capabilities. This development aligns with Honeywell’s focus on automation and the future of aviation, supporting the integration of advanced air mobility systems into everyday airspace.
Honeywell continues to lead in providing innovative solutions for the evolving air mobility industry, while Frequentis specializes in communication and information systems for control centers with safety-critical tasks.
