Honeywell is developing a technology suite that will let light drones fly three times longer and with less human intervention.

Compared with traditional drones using batteries and line-of-sight radio links, drones equipped with Honeywell’s BVLOS beyond visual line-of-sight technologies can fly farther, carry more weight, avoid hazards up to three kilometres away and stream video of their progress anywhere in the world.

“These are technologies that businesses have been waiting for,” said Stéphane Fymat, vice president of Honeywell’s unmanned aerial systems business unit. “They will help make drones profitable for a world of new applications.”

Honeywell’s BVLOS (pronounced bev-loss) systems are for missions where distance or terrain interfere with radio links or visual guidance. Applications include last-kilometre package delivery, military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, pipeline and power line inspection, search and rescue, or use by first responders.

The technologies draw upon Honeywell’s decades of experience building and certifying avionics, engines and APUs for airplanes, helicopters and military drones.

The BVLOS suite comprises 600 and 1200W hydrogen fuel cells, RDR-84K multipurpose radar, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and UAV satcom, said to be the world’s smallest and lightest satellite transceiver.

The fuel cells operate three times longer than batteries with equivalent output. They work silently, unlike petrol engines, and emit no greenhouse gases. Operators can refuel or swap hydrogen tanks in minutes, enabling more time in the air.

The RDR-84K is a phased-array radar that steers beams electronically, meaning it has no moving parts and requires little maintenance. It also requires no heavy cooling systems.

In addition to avoiding other aircraft, the radar can detect obstacles, map terrain and identify landing zones. It can act as a radar altimeter and provide mapping for alternate navigation if GPS guidance fails.

The suite will allow drone designers to combine data in clever ways to save weight and power. Its radar computes an avoidance path using built-in circuitry, rather than requiring a separate processor. Its satellite uplink can be used to download real-time weather and traffic reports from other drones.

The UAV Satcom and IMUs are available now. The RDR-84K and fuel cells are in late-stage development, and prototype fuel cells are available for purchase and evaluation now.

“These innovations give drone builders and operators a whole new range of options,” said Sapan Shah, product manager for Honeywell’s unmanned aerial systems business unit. “More time in the air, more awareness of surroundings and traffic, better connectivity, these are the building blocks of safe, profitable drone operations of all kinds, and that’s what we’re delivering.”

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defence and space aircraft. The aerospace business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. Its hardware and software create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights, and safer skies and airports.