Rwanda gets first commercial drone service
[ October 14, 2016 // Chris ]
US company Zipline says it has started the world’s first commercial drone delivery service, in Rwanda, the BBC reports. Rather than the familiar quad-copter design, it uses automatically-flown fixed-wing drones that resemble small light aircraft. The drones release small packages attached to parachutes and do not land at delivery points before returning.
The method of operation is said to be safer than quad-copters.
The drones have an operational range of 93 miles and can operate in winds up to 19mph and in light rain, if necessary.
The aircraft are launched by catapult and fly below 500ft (152m), avoiding commercial airspace.
Zipwire has started operations with 15 drones and is being paid by Rwanda’s health department on a per delivery basis.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37646474
Tags: Zipline
