Can a military drone, operating under intense electronic warfare jamming on a modern battlefield, successfully complete its mission without receiving any external signals? Aviation technology manufacturer Honeywell now offers its innovative Kestrel solution, called the Honeywell Kestrel system, which combines three distinct navigation components into a single unit. This approach addresses this critical operational need.
The system integrates Honeywell Aerospace’s HG3900 MEMS Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a military-grade M-code receiver, and a multi‑GNSS receiver. Honeywell Kestrel is developed especially for Group 2 and Group 3 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA)—which have become a priority for many armed forces. Additionally, it is suitable for loitering munitions. This Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) solution is also suitable for manned platforms with strict weight constraints.
Half the Cost, 40% Smaller Footprint
Compared to existing alternatives on the market, the new system is 40% smaller and lighter, which sets the Honeywell Kestrel apart from competitors. It also cuts production costs by up to 50%—making it a budget-friendly option for high‑volume drone manufacturing lines. Beyond its size advantage, the system directly enhances platform survivability in the field. In fact, thanks to advanced inertial navigation algorithms, the technology can reduce drone loss rates by up to 60%. Furthermore, it can more than double a platform’s operational radius.
The system’s most significant operational benefit comes into play when GNSS signals are lost or when spoofing attacks are underway. In such scenarios, the Kestrel product by Honeywell continues to generate position, velocity, and attitude data entirely independently. It does so without relying on any external support—ensuring uninterrupted autonomous flight.
ITAR‑Exempt Versions to Ease Global Procurement
Designed for integration across a wide range of military and civil applications, the Kestrel system, produced by Honeywell, will also be offered in configurations that fall outside ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) restrictions. This helps to bypass bureaucratic hurdles in the global market.
Having produced over 60,000 EGI systems since the 1990s, Honeywell sets new standards for electronic warfare protection in autonomous systems with innovations such as the Kestrel solution. This is why the Honeywell Kestrel is gaining global attention.
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Source: C4Defence-Honeywell
