Honeywell, Odys Aviation Collaborate for Drones in Mideast

Honeywell and Odys Aviation are collaborating to design ground control stations to support the Odys Aviation Laila drone expected to launch next year and advance the development of autonomous aviation. 

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to support the rollout of drone operations in the Middle East and Pacific. 

Under the agreement, Honeywell would provide ground control station technology beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations supporting Odys Aviation’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Laila, set to launch in 2025. The companies also plan to collaborate closely with the Omani National Transportation Company to roll out aerial logistics programs in Oman and the GCC.

Odys Aviation’s Laila cargo drone has multiple configurations and a 230-mile range. In addition to being used for deliveries, it can help with pipeline inspections, leak detection, geological surveys, maritime operations and logistics services. 

Honeywell’s ground control station can be scaled based on any VTOL platform’s needs. It helps remote pilots manage multiple vehicles at once, over long distances and without direct visual contact. It also has several advanced automation functionalities including traffic awareness, contingency management and ground-based detect-and-avoid helping reduce pilot workload. 

Related:Hyundai Flying Vehicle Company, Honeywell Team for Pilotless eVTOLs

David Shilliday, vice president of advanced air mobility at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said as companies seek to expand their development and operation of uncrewed vehicles, safe operation from a remote environment is critical. 

“Our planned collaboration with Odys Aviation will represent a significant milestone, moving our innovative solutions from testing to real-life scenarios,” he said.

James Dorris, CEO and co-founder of Odys Aviation said Honeywell shares his company’s belief that the key to commercializing new aircraft technologies and moving from research and development to market lies in partnerships. 

“Honeywell has shown extensive leadership in the sustainable aviation space, and we’re excited to be working hand-in-hand with their world-class team to deliver on the promise of advanced aerospace technologies as soon as next year,” Dorris said.