HONEYWELL AND NEAR EARTH AUTONOMY COMPLETE FIRST AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT OF LEONARDO AW139 HELICOPTER

Rhea-AI Summary

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy achieved a significant breakthrough by completing the first autonomous test flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter in Phoenix, Arizona. The milestone, part of the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector program, demonstrated autonomous flight control without pilot input. Near Earth's onboard autonomy software directly controlled the AW139's autopilot modes, showcasing precise flight control and autonomous decision-making capabilities. The development aims to create uncrewed aircraft systems for contested environments, enhancing military logistics operations while reducing risks to personnel. Future testing will focus on automated obstacle avoidance and integration into military logistics workflows. The partnership between Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy focuses on developing affordable, scalable, and certifiable autonomy solutions for both retrofit and next-generation aircraft.

Positive

• First successful autonomous test flight of AW139 helicopter demonstrates technological advancement in military logistics
• Partnership creates potential for broader commercial applications beyond military use
• Technology aims to reduce risk to military personnel in contested environments
• Development of scalable autonomous systems using existing platforms reduces implementation costs

Negative

• Additional testing and development required before full implementation
• System still needs to prove automated obstacle avoidance capabilities
• Integration into military logistics workflows pending completion

Flight marks major milestone on path to autonomous uncrewed rotorcraft

PARIS, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) and Near Earth Autonomy have successfully completed the first autonomous test flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter, marking a major milestone in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program. This flight demonstrates the feasibility of uncrewed, autonomous aircraft capable of operating in contested environments without an onboard pilot or remote operator.

The test flight on Honeywell's AW139 took place in Phoenix, Arizona in May and marks a critical step in efforts to deliver scalable, autonomous logistics support to the United States Marine Corps (USMC). For the first time, key autopilot modes of the AW139 were controlled directly by Near Earth's onboard autonomy software, without pilot input, showcasing precise flight control and autonomous decision-making.

"Not only is this successful demonstration a major step in creating brand new possibilities for the USMC, but it also creates a potential pathway for use by other helicopter operators as well," said Bob Buddecke, president, Electronic Solutions, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. "Together with Near Earth Autonomy and Leonardo, we're showing how existing aircraft can be adapted with trusted avionics to support the next generation of defense logistics. Uncrewed aircraft will be vital in keeping service men and women as safe as possible in contested environments, and we are one step closer to realizing that vision."

The ALC program, managed under a Naval Aviation Systems Consortium Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Near Earth Autonomy as a prime performer, aims to develop and deploy autonomous aerial logistics systems that reduce risk to personnel and increase the speed and scale of supply operations. Future testing will expand autonomy capabilities, including automated obstacle avoidance, and integration into military logistics workflows, resulting in a safer, uncrewed delivery system to help boost operational readiness and improve responsiveness in theatre.

"This flight showcases Near Earth Autonomy's leadership in developing trusted autonomy for real-world operations," said Dr. Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth Autonomy. "By directly controlling the AW139's flight modes with our autonomy system, we've shown that scalable autonomous logistics using existing platforms is not just possible — it's happening now. This capability is essential for reducing risk to military personnel and ensuring resilient supply chains in the field."

Honeywell's partnership with Near Earth Autonomy seeks to develop an autonomy solution that is affordable, scalable, and certifiable for future missions. Honeywell provides mission-critical systems engineered for both retrofit and next-generation aircraft. These solutions are built to meet today's operational demands while supporting the long-term shift to uncrewed and highly autonomous flight.

About Honeywell

Products and services from Honeywell Aerospace Technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and in many terrestrial systems. The Aerospace Technologies business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, power systems, and more. It's hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit aerospace.honeywell.com or follow Honeywell Aerospace Technologies on LinkedIn.

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter and safer as well as more secure and sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

About Near Earth Autonomy

Near Earth Autonomy is a leader in autonomy technologies that enable safe and efficient aerial logistics and operations. From enabling aircraft to autonomously take off, navigate complex environments, avoid obstacles, and deliver payloads, Near Earth's solutions provide a new dimension of operational capability. With a focus on safety, scalability, and certification readiness, Near Earth's technology is transforming both military and commercial aviation. For more information, visit www.nearearth.aero or follow Near Earth Autonomy on LinkedIn.

Contact: 

Media:
Adam Kress                                                                             
+1 (602) 760-6252
adam.kress@honeywell.com                                                     

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SOURCE Honeywell International, Inc.

FAQ

What milestone did Honeywell (HON) achieve with the AW139 helicopter in 2025?

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy completed the first autonomous test flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter in Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrating autonomous control without pilot input.

What is the purpose of Honeywell's autonomous helicopter program with the U.S. Marine Corps?

The program aims to develop autonomous aerial logistics systems that reduce risk to personnel and increase the speed and scale of supply operations in contested environments.

How does Near Earth Autonomy's software control the AW139 helicopter?

The software directly controls the helicopter's autopilot modes, enabling autonomous decision-making and precise flight control without pilot input.

What are the next steps for Honeywell's autonomous helicopter program?

Future testing will expand autonomy capabilities, including automated obstacle avoidance and integration into military logistics workflows.

How will this autonomous technology benefit military operations?

The technology will enable safer uncrewed delivery systems, boost operational readiness, and improve responsiveness while reducing risk to military personnel in contested environments.