Despite the increasing popularity of delivery services including the use of drones, it has been challenging for companies to keep these services profitable. This is because of the high costs associated with operating drones. Factors weighing in include cost of the drone itself, maintenance, and pilot training. On top of that, delivering through drones is tightly regulated by aviation authorities, which can add to the expense and difficulty of running these services.
LA, California-based company A2Z Drone Delivery is working on changing that when it comes to flying distribution services.
Commercial delivery drone goes new distances
Meet the RDSX Pelican, a delivery drone designed by A2Z Drone Delivery. Unlike other drones that use control surfaces to maintain stability, the RDSX Pelican uses a multi-rotor system to balance itself. In other words, instead of relying on traditional methods, it uses more advanced technology to stay steady while making deliveries. It’s the first commercial drone of its kind, making it an exciting innovation in the world of drone delivery.
It also has a pre-installed winch, known as RDS2, which has a mechanism to auto-release any box. This allows for cargo to be released from a tethered position at altitude without requiring a landing. One of the key benefits of this setup is that it safeguards the propellers against potential obstructions on the ground, such as trees, powerlines, or buildings. Also, its patent-pending hook design can automatically retract after drop off or pickup, which means a human doesn’t have to be on the receiving end of the drone delivery.
This configuration is especially useful when the delivery location has uncertain terrain. In addition, it is also ideal for conventional delivery destinations since it eliminates rotor noise and helps with privacy by delivering the payload from a higher altitude.
RDSX Pelican specs
- While the Pelican can carry any box, its takeoff weight limit is 55 pounds to meet FAA Part 107 compliance.
- Cruise speed of 45 knots.
- The distance it can travel is based on how much weight it’s carrying, and currently, it can carry 11 pounds over 24.8 miles.
- This will cost about 9.5 cents per pound per mile, thanks to the elimination of a few common features on drones that often require repair in between deliveries.
- The longer distance these drones can fly will make a greater number of deliveries possible, also increasing profitability.
MORE: CREEPY CHINESE DRONE SWIMS UNDERWATER AND FLIES THROUGH AIR
Where drone deliveries are used
Of course, drone deliveries will continue to grow in popularity when it comes to residential deliveries. Companies are saving costs on manpower and gas, plus the time it takes to deliver via normal commercial methods.
However, in addition to home deliveries, the Pelican can be used for medical and emergency deliveries, shore-to-ship deliveries, aerial mapping, infrastructure inspection, and search and rescue efforts, to name a few.
MORE: 5 DRONES, EXPERT-REVIEWED
Price
If you’re wondering how much a drone like this costs, the Pelican models start at $29,000 and are available for pre-order now. There will be multiple models available. More info can be found on their website here.
Final thoughts
While the convenience of drones is a positive reason for their use, some of their capabilities are pretty creepy. There are already flying drones that can shapeshift, drones that can swim underwater, and ones that can see through walls to spy on you. There are also questions about the safety of deliveries flying through the air over yards and streets – what if one were to malfunction?
What do you think about the future of drone deliveries? Comment down below.