The MAV flies like a helicopter, using a propeller that draws air in through a duct to provide lift. Its propeller, powered by a gasoline engine, is enclosed in the duct. Honeywell's micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) electronic sensor technology is employed to control the MAV. "The flight tests are to demonstrate that this aircraft performs as designed and will provide intelligence on enemy activity without risking the lives of human pilots or ground reconnaissance teams," says Vaughn Fulton, Honeywell Unmanned Aerial Systems program manager.

Flight tests will continue through March at Honeywell’s facility in Albuquerque. In April, Honeywell will begin delivery of prototype systems to the Army for initial experimentation. A heavy fuel engine variant of the MAV will be introduced in 2006. The micro air vehicle may become part of the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems program as the "hover and stare" Class I unmanned aerial vehicle system.

Honeywell is the prime contractor developing the MAV—along with subcontractors AAI Corp. for the airframe, AVID LCC for modeling and simulation, and Techsburg Inc. for testing and acoustics.

RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This