Boeing has announced a patent and technology license together with Healthe as the aerospace manufacturer prepares to launch its Ultraviolet Wand developed to combat COVID-19 inside of aircraft cabins.
The UV Wand was designed to disinfect surfaces on airplanes for additional layers of protection from the virus. The project took six months to complete and is acclaimed by the company to be “more effective than similar devices.” According to Boeing, it should take no more than 15 minutes to sanitize an entire flight deck.
The UV wand is powered by 222-nanometer UVC light, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the most effective Ultraviolet Radiation method to combat COVID-19.
“UVC radiation has been shown to destroy the outer protein coating of the SARS-Coronavirus, which is a different virus from the current SARS-CoV-2 virus. The destruction ultimately leads to inactivation of the virus,” the FDA’s website reads.
Healthe, a Florida-based light technology company, will produce and distribute Boeing’s UV wand, the company’s statement read. Boeing hopes their UVC wand will reach the market by late fall 2020.