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Honeywell has announced the launch of a new compact navigation system to increase the efficiency of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The new capability, Kestrel, is specifically designed to support the operation of UAS that is working in environments that may be compromised and cause jamming.
“Kestrel reflects the evolving needs of today’s uncrewed operations, where operators are looking for resilient navigation technology that is smaller, lighter and more cost-effective,” said Matt Picchetti, vice president and general manager of navigation and sensors at Honeywell.
“This system helps operators maintain mission objectives in environments where legacy GPS systems are lagging behind.”
Manufactured using Honeywell’s existing HG3900 MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit and an M-code, multi-global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, the system is a compact solution that will also be suitable for use in some crewed aircraft.
These combined GNSS receiver units allow for more reliable navigation support, despite weak or disrupted signalling issues. Honeywell said the system can resist UAS degradation by up to 60 per cent in an operational context and can double mission distance capacity.
“Our new small form factor EGI – called Kestrel – will bring precise positioning, navigation and timing capabilities to drones that are simply too small to accommodate a full-size EGI system,” said Michael Jirjis, defence navigation offering management director at Honeywell.
“Kestrel provides significantly better navigation performance than other alternatives while meeting the strict size, weight and power requirements of smaller drones.”
The system, which is nearly 40 per cent smaller than other UAS navigation systems and approximately half the price, is a highly effective solution that can address tactical operational needs, according to Honeywell.
Honeywell said it is currently looking to collaborate with drone operators and developers to continue efforts towards shaping the “final specifications” of the solution.
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