Amazon has unveiled the latest version of its Prime Air delivery drone, a hybrid aircraft that’s capable of vertical takeoff and landing as well as sustained forward flight. The company says it wants to launch a delivery service of the drone in “the coming months,” but has not said where this might take place or how many customers it might cover. Amazon has recently started using drones in its delivery service.
What’s new with Amazon using drones
One of the unique features of Amazon using drones is that it flies vertically, like a helicopter, and in a new, aerodynamic airplane mode and more stable than previous models
In the nearest future, waiting for packages delivered by a truck won’t be a thing– instead, they’ll come on time, via drone. But they might have a little different look from what you’ve seen before. The Federal Aviation Administration announced new rules Monday for what it calls “unmanned aircraft” that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (or 0.25 kilogram) to operate around people.
Among the new rules, the FAA said drones will need to broadcast their identification through a new system called Remote ID, which will help the government track both the drones and their base “control” stations. Those operating at night will also need to have anti-collision lights, and drones must have no “exposed rotating parts” (like the flight blades) that could cut human skin. And people who manage the drones will need to have a drone pilot’s license with them whenever operating the aircraft.
Another that is worth remembering that Amazon doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to meeting its deadlines in this area. The company first announced plans for Prime Air all the way back in 2013, but soon ran into problems with logistics and regulations. Then in 2016, it said it had made its first successful drone delivery to a customer in Cambridge, England. But that proved to be a one-off stunt rather than the beginning of a regular service. Google’s rival Project Wing, meanwhile, has slowly been expanding the number of test services in locations including Finland and Australia.
If we’ve learned one thing about drone delivery in recent years, it’s that the implementation of these systems is much harder than simply building the aircraft. What Amazon has done today is unveil a drone and given itself another deadline. Now we need to see if it delivers.
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