Honeywell, Enigma Partner on Mission Systems for Phoenix Drone
Honeywell Aerospace has teamed up with Enigma Aerospace to explore integrating advanced mission systems into the Phoenix Series unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for US and allied defense operators.
The collaboration will examine capabilities including positioning, navigation, and timing, protected communications, electronic countermeasures, command and control, cybersecurity, and other mission systems designed to improve military drone operations.
The first phase will assess Honeywell’s in-house payloads, such as VersaWave SATCOM unit, Ground Control Station, and ONEBOX flight controller, aboard the Phoenix platform.
The companies said they may evaluate additional Honeywell technologies as the collaboration progresses, with development, outfitting, and fielding activities expected in the coming months.
“Autonomous systems operating in contested environments live or die by the quality of their navigation, communications, and electronic warfare capabilities,” said Matt Milas, president of defense and space at Honeywell Aerospace.
He added that the effort is intended to help “get Phoenix to the warfighter faster.”
Leveraging ‘Deep’ Expertise
Enigma CEO Reese Mozer said the collaboration is expected to boost the readiness of UAS operators in environments where navigation and communications are “denied, degraded, or disrupted.”
“Honeywell Aerospace brings deep aerospace and defense experience across exactly the systems that enable autonomous logistics to survive at the edge,” he stated.
“We’re looking forward to exploring how their navigation and mission systems capabilities could support Phoenix as we work toward fielding platforms for warfighters and, eventually, commercial logistics providers.”
About the Phoenix
Enigma’s Phoenix aircraft measures 20 feet (6 meters) long, has a wingspan of 45 feet (14 meters), and a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms).
It is powered by a twin internal combustion powertrain for a top speed of 130 knots (150 miles/241 kilometers per hour) and a range of 4,700 nautical miles (5,409 miles/8,704 kilometers).
