Honeywell has announced a strategic investment and collaboration with Near Earth Autonomy (Near Earth) to support multiple autonomous rotorcraft program pursuits, including the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC). Honeywell is teaming with Near Earth, which has been selected by the USMC to lead one of the teams demonstrating optimized logistics using rotorcraft, through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium (NASC). In the ALC program, Leonardo Helicopters, Near Earth and Honeywell will showcase uncrewed rotorcraft capabilities for contested environments on Leonardo’s AW139 helicopter.
The agreement will help accelerate the development of autonomous flight and supports Honeywell’s portfolio alignment to three compelling megatrends: the future of aviation, automation and the energy transition.
"Uncrewed aircraft are a vital means of keeping service men and women out of harm’s way in contested environments. But they must also be advanced enough to reliably and efficiently perform their missions, even in GPS-denied environments. Together with Near Earth, we’re seeking to advance the reliability and functionality of autonomous technology and build products that support autonomous operations globally,” said Matt Milas, President, Defense & Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “By focusing on retrofitting existing platforms we’ll be able to deliver rapid, scalable solutions.”
The ALC program will leverage the extensive collective aviation expertise of the three companies to deliver advanced autonomy solutions, enabling uncrewed operation of rotorcraft for logistics and casualty evacuation missions for the USMC. This initiative, part of the USMC Aerial Logistics Connector program, focuses on developing an unmanned logistics system to provide support in contested environments, with operational aircraft targeted by 2030. Honeywell and Near Earth aim to help deploy these solutions rapidly and at scale.
“The ALC program is focused on achieving assured autonomy on an unprecedented scale,” said Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth. “We are excited to partner with Honeywell, a leader in avionics and flight control, to create a comprehensive system for aerial logistics that can rapidly be put into commonplace use.”
“Leonardo Helicopters is excited to introduce the USMC to the world-class AW139 helicopter for this next-generation FVL mission,” said Scott Volkert, Dir. of USMC Programs for Leonardo Helicopters.
This collaboration with Near Earth allows Honeywell to explore additional opportunities for rotorcraft and UAS beyond the USMC initiative.
Contact details from our directory: | |
Honeywell Aerospace | Air Conditioning Equipment, Air Conditioning Equipment, Magnetometers, Cockpit Printers, Airborne Communication Systems, Cooling Systems, Cargo Systems, Airspeed Indicators, WAAS Equipment, Starter Generators, Bleed Air Systems, Air Purification Systems, Flight Management Systems, Engine Parts, Pneumatic Systems Equipment, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Inertial Components & Systems, Multi-Mode Receivers (MMR), Auxiliary Power Units, Cabin Pressure Control Systems, Autopilots, Cockpit Control Systems, Avionics Management Systems, Automatic Direction Finders, Distance Measuring Equipment, Transceivers, VOR (Omnirange) Receivers, Radio Communications Equipment, GPS, Attitude and Heading Reference Systems, Radar/Radio Altimeters, Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems, Horizontal Situation Indicator, Heading Indicators, Onboard Intercom Systems, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Flight Recorders, Collision Avoidance Systems/TCAS, Fly-by-Wire Systems, Air Data Computers, Cabin Management Systems, Weather Mapping Radar, Emergency Locator Transmitters, Radar Transponders, IFF Interrogators, Glide Slope Receivers, Weapons Countermeasures, LCD Displays, Moving Maps, Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), Inflight Entertainment, Angle of Attack Indicators, Proximity Sensors, Testing Services, Environmental Testing Services, Electromagnetic Test Services, Electric Power Controllers, Cockpit Video Displays, Fibre Optic Gyroscopes, Fuel Tanks & Systems, Precoolers |
Near Earth Autonomy | UAV Control Software |
Leonardo Helicopters | Airframer |
Related aircraft programs: |
Leonardo AW139 |
Related directory sectors: |
Aircraft Operations |
Weekly news by email:
See the latest Bulletin, and sign up free‑of‑charge for future editions.
Safran expands engine production in Querétaro
Crisalion chooses IFS Cloud management software for AAM project
All-electric Integral E performs maiden flight