Honeywell Successfully Tests Autonomous Detect-and-Avoid System

The “leap forward in safety” could have far-ranging impacts across aviation, including air taxis.

Wednesday, February 02, 2022 at 04:16 PM ET

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Honeywell said its autonomous radar system kept drones out of danger during the “ultimate game of chicken.” [Courtesy: Honeywell]

Key Takeaways:

Honeywell successfully tested its RDR-84K autonomous detect-and-avoid radar system, which enabled a drone to detect other UAVs and perform collision avoidance maneuvers without human intervention.
The system proved capable of identifying and safely navigating away from intruder drones, even those without transponders or approaching from challenging angles, in simulated "game of chicken" scenarios.
This compact radar technology is crucial for enhancing safety in the growing drone industry (especially BVLOS flights) and is a foundational step toward the future of pilotless aviation, particularly autonomous eVTOL air taxis.

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After a series of drone test flights described as the “ultimate game of chicken,” Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced success Wednesday with its autonomous detect-and-avoid (DAA) radar system.

The recent tests, located near Phoenix, Arizona, involved a drone piloted by Honeywell’s IntuVue RDR-84K radar system that repeatedly swerved around other UAVs. The system was able to detect airborne traffic and, on its own, decide on a course of action, Honeywell says. Next, the system took over navigation and piloted the drone to safety using its onboard processor.