PHOENIX, Ariz., 16 March 2005. Honeywell announced today that it has received a system engineering contract to analyze the differences between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) and the Future Combat Systems (FCS) Class I Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system.
"Honeywell developed the MAV as part of the DARPA Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration program," said Steve McKnight, Honeywell FCS Class I Program Manager. "This contract is another milestone for Honeywell that reflects the Army initiative to develop a variant of MAV technologies for the battlefield."
Boeing and the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) are the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for FCS. Honeywell's contract with the LSI covers the feasibility requirements for the MAV variants, including air vehicles that carry video and infrared cameras.
The MAV is equipped with forward- and downward-looking video cameras that relay information to a remote ground station video terminal. A variant of Honeywell's air vehicle will be equipped with infrared cameras.
The vehicles are designed to provide soldiers with improved situational awareness without exposing them to enemy fire. The air vehicles will be used for reconnaissance, security and target acquisition in open, rolling, complex and urban terrain. Utilizing vertical takeoff and landing, they can navigate under trees, low clouds and jungle canopies.
FCS utilizes advanced communications and technologies to link soldiers with manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors. FCS allows forces to move quickly and allows troops to conduct a variety of missions.
Honeywell International is a $26 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, Chicago and Pacific Stock Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information, see www.honeywell.com.
Based in Phoenix, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.
