Honeywell and Odys Develop Anti-Drone Laila VTOL

Honeywell is developing potential anti-drone defense applications for Odys Aviation’s uncrewed hybrid-electric Laila VTOL aircraft. In a March 31 announcement, the companies confirmed that they have been working for more than a year to prepare Honeywell’s Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept autonomous airborne platform for deployment on Laila.

Collins Showcases Vision for Common ATC Platform

While FAA and Department of Transportation officials outline a vision for evolving air traffic control systems to a connected, common platform, Collins Aerospace is developing technologies that could provide a glimpse of what that might look like. Company executives did not say whether the RTX subsidiary has submitted to the FAA’s request for information on a common automation platform, but they did recently showcase their own AutoTrac common platform that can provide a foundation for an array of connected capabilities.

Near Earth Wins Contract For Maritime Drone Ops

Near Earth Autonomy has won a U.S. Naval Air Systems Command contract to develop autonomous flight technology for uncrewed aircraft systems operating in contested maritime environments. The project aims to improve the Marine Corps’ ability to conduct uncrewed resupply missions in areas where GPS and communications links may be degraded or unavailable. Pittsburgh-based Near Earth will deliver an aircraft-agnostic system enabling ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship, and ship-to-ship logistics in unprepared and hazardous environments without continuous connectivity.

Skylark Brings AI Debris Detection to Airports

Skylark Labs has begun deploying fixed foreign-object debris detection technology at major commercial airports in India. According to the California-based start-up, the stationary system uses optical sensors to autonomously monitor runways, eliminating the need for manual inspections and mobile vehicle patrols. Using adaptive AI algorithms, it identifies and classifies debris in real time and transmits precise coordinates to ground staff and air traffic control, who then dispatch personnel to remove it.

Vertical Raises Further $50 million For eVTOL Aircraft

Vertical Aerospace has raised a further $50 million in equity capital and announced on March 30 that it expects to receive a further $30 million in the coming weeks. According to the UK eVTOL aircraft developer, it now has $160 million of available capital to achieve key certification milestones over the course of this year, and can potentially tap another funds of up to $800 million.

Air Touts $1 Billion Backlog for eVTOL Portfolio

Electric aircraft developer Air said it has surpassed $1 billion in orders across its product portfolio, led by strong demand for its two-seat Air One personal eVTOL model and a smaller but growing pipeline for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The Israeli company reported more than 3,300 customers on a waitlist and said it has generated more than $35 million in booked revenue to date—primarily from deliveries of its heavy-lift UAS.

Robinson Pursues Collaboration Between Uncrewed Helicopters and Drones

Rotorcraft manufacturer Robinson is tapping the expertise of its new Unmanned division to respond to proliferating demand for operational flexibility that can best be met by unpiloted aircraft. The focus is on sectors such as agriculture, freight, and military logistics, as the company told AIN at the recent Verticon show in Atlanta.