Honeywell has unveiled VersaWave, a new small satcom system with 5G, for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry.
VersaWave combines satcom, cellular (i.e., 5G, 4G, 3G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity in an extremely small, lightweight package. These new connectivity features enable beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) communication for the AAM and UAS industry.
At just 2.2 pounds, Honeywell’s VersaWave with 5G is a hardware and software solution that not only combines multiple connectivity options in a single package, it also transitions between cellular and satcom seamlessly and automatically, providing reliable Inmarsat satcom connectivity when outside cellular coverage.
The system’s cellular capability includes high-speed 5G connectivity supporting low latency and high data transfers at a low cost whether on public or private networks. It also has onboard Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reporting for real-time position tracking.
“VersaWave significantly enhances our small satcom system introduced in 2021, and we expect it to be adopted not just by the AAM market but also defense and commercial customers,” said Steve Hadden, vice president and general manager, Services and Connectivity, Honeywell Aerospace.
VersaWave with 5G will enable vehicle command and control as well as data transfer and video streaming. The system is also Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled for remote configuration.
VersaWave with 5G is undergoing qualification and certification and is planned to be commercially available in the third quarter of 2023. Users of the current small satcom system can upgrade with minimal downtime of their AAM and UAS platforms.