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01 December 2025
The <a href="https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elton John AIDS Foundation</a> (EJAF) today celebrates <a href="https://www.zipline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zipline</a>'s $150 million funding from the U.S. State Department to triple its lifesaving drone delivery network, a milestone that builds on the Foundation's catalytic early support and cements their role in pioneering drone-enabled HIV care across Africa. The award is based on a first-of-its-kind pay-for-performance model, demonstrating how early philanthropic support helped underscore Zipline's growing impact.
From the outset, EJAF was an early supporter of Zipline's entry into Kenya, paving the way for national and international funders to follow and enable the expansion of Zipline's groundbreaking model across the continent. Rwanda is expected to be the first country to expand under this new model, marking the beginning of continent-wide scale that could triple Zipline's network from 5,000 to 15,000 health facilities and reach 100 million people.
<h5>Impact Since EJAF's 2023 Support</h5>
Kenya and Nigeria at a glance...
<ul type="disc">
<li>125,000 people reached with HIV interventions</li>
<li>90,000 people reached with prevention tools</li>
<li>38,600 adolescents and young adults tested for HIV</li>
<li>8,600 at-risk adolescents and young adults initiated on PrEP</li>
<li>86,000 antiretrovirals delivered via drone</li>
</ul>
"From the beginning, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has stood with communities too often left behind, without the healthcare they urgently need and deserve," said Elton John, Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Zipline's innovative approach to delivering medical care is exactly the kind of work our Foundation exists to champion. We were their first philanthropic partner in Kenya and have helped them build a network there - and in other countries across Africa - that ensures people living with HIV get access to the treatment they need every single day. By reaching people where they are and harnessing technology to deliver care, our program shows what's possible and gives people everywhere a real chance at a future free from HIV."
The Foundation first supported Zipline in 2023, recognizing the potential of Zipline's drone technology to break down barriers to care. The Foundation was Zipline's first partner in Kenya and has since expanded collaboration to Nigeria, ensuring people living with HIV, particularly young people and LGBTQ+ communities, receive testing, prevention, and treatment services directly in their communities.
"Stigma and discrimination keep too many young people in Sub-Saharan Africa from the care they deserve. For someone like 24-year-old Charles Atieno, our partnership with Zipline is a lifeline," said David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Charles can learn his status, access contraceptives, or pick up a self-test kit right where he plays football - without fear, judgment, or a long trip to a clinic. This is exactly why we backed Zipline early. By supporting their entry into Kenya, we helped generate the evidence and confidence that made this major governmental investment possible. Today's milestone shows what happens when innovation meets compassion: young people thrive, and global partners step up."
Independent&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4566467-1&amp;h=2135761027&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fssir.org%2Farticles%2Fentry%2Fzipline-health-innovations-africa&amp;a=research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> shows Zipline's system also strengthens wider health outcomes &mdash; from reducing stockouts to cutting maternal mortality - demonstrating how the same innovation improving HIV care has far-reaching impact.
"Years ago, the Foundation made a bold investment in Zipline's game-changing technology because we knew they could deliver testing and treatment to communities that traditional supply chains simply couldn't reach," said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "Today, we're proud to see our support in their pilot has evolved into a self-sustaining system that will outlast any single grant. Our transformative partnership has created something much bigger than a program - it's built into a legacy that will continue to save thousands of lives. This is our path to an AIDS-free world: funding innovations that become permanent solutions."
"The Elton John AIDS Foundation is an extraordinary philanthropic partner. They backed a simple but radical idea: bring HIV medicines to where people are instead of making them come to you, especially in places where stigma keeps too many away," said Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa. "Their early support proved how centralized, on-demand delivery can reach people living with HIV privately, reliably, and cost-effectively - whether that's at home, at work, or on the sidelines of a soccer game. With Zipline's rapid expansion fueled by the U.S. State Department award, there are now dozens of opportunities for donors to follow EJAF's lead - providing catalytic, one-time investments that help African governments solve intractable health challenges and bridge the gap to self-sustainability."
"Imagine ending HIV transmission in a continent. We now have the tools to do it: visionary leaders, medications with 100% effectiveness, and on-demand delivery that can get the right medicine to anyone, anywhere," said Keller Rinaudo Clifton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline. "Thanks to bold partners like the U.S. State Department, African governments and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we're making that dream a reality."
<h5>About the Elton John AIDS Foundation</h5>
The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations in the world. The Foundation's mission is simple: an end to the AIDS epidemic. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to overcoming the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keep us from ending AIDS. With the mobilization of our network of generous supporters and partners, we fund local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment, as well as informing government strategies to end AIDS.
<h5>About Zipline</h5>
Zipline is the world&rsquo;s largest and most experienced autonomous delivery service. Today Zipline operates on four continents, makes a delivery somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, and serves more than 5,000 hospitals and health facilities. Zipline's customers include federal and state health systems, health care institutions, restaurants and retailers. With more than 120 million commercial autonomous miles safely flown to date, Zipline is transforming access to healthcare, consumer products, and food. Our customers rely on Zipline to save lives, reduce emissions, increase economic opportunity, and provide new logistics services at scale.
For years Zipline has worked with visionary governments and philanthropic organizations willing to take bold action to improve health outcomes for tens of millions of people. Partners include the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, Pfizer, and The UPS Foundation, which have helped Zipline and its partner governments develop a wealth of empirical evidence that advances our understanding of how improved supply chain performance increases timely treatment and ultimately saves lives. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://zipline.com/africa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zipline.com/Africa</a>.
<h5>More News on the Zipline Deal</h5>
Zipline, an American robotics company that designs, manufactures, and operates the world&rsquo;s largest autonomous delivery system, today announced a landmark agreement with the U.S. Department of State to expand its life-saving drone delivery service across Africa &ndash; a proven and more affordable way to improve health outcomes. At full scale, the partnership could triple the number of hospitals and health facilities Zipline serves (from 5,000&nbsp; to 15,000) and provide up to 130 million people with instant access to blood and medications.&nbsp;
Under a new pay-for-performance model &mdash; a first-of its kind from the State Department &mdash; Zipline will receive up to $150 million to expand its AI and robotics infrastructure that enables African governments to provide 24/7 delivery of essential medical supplies to hospitals and health facilities. As buyers of the service African countries will pay up to $400 million in utilization fees. Funding will be released only when governments sign expansion contracts and commit to pay for ongoing logistics services to ensure long-term sustainability.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We started Zipline to build a logistics system that serves all people equally. Today the U.S. government is doubling down on our work, and using our AI, robotics and autonomous logistics system to improve health outcomes,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline. &ldquo;For years presidents and prime ministers have told me they want the best of what America has to offer: innovation, jobs and 21st century technology to leapfrog into the future. That has always been America&rsquo;s unique value proposition and today, the State Department is making that happen.&rdquo;
&ldquo;This partnership is an example of the innovative, results-driven partnership at the core of the America First foreign assistance agenda. With modest U.S. capital investment support, these five countries will become responsible for maintaining and continuing to invest in a transformative American-built health commodities supply chain network,&rdquo; said ​​Under Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom Jeremy Lewin. &ldquo;By strategically deploying assistance resources to catalyze private capital, incentivize local buy-in, and champion American businesses, President Trump&rsquo;s foreign assistance agenda is bringing developing economies into the 21st century and helping America win the race for the technologies of tomorrow at the same time.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Scaling Proven Impact&nbsp;Poor logistics hinders the movement of critical goods and services that people need to live and thrive. Zipline&rsquo;s infrastructure is proven to deliver better health outcomes by solving the root of many public health challenges: slow, unreliable and analog logistics that often leaves blood, medications and supplies out of stock or spoiled.&nbsp;
Since its first delivery in 2016, Zipline&rsquo;s autonomous logistics system &mdash; designed and manufactured in the U.S. &mdash; has completed 1.8 million autonomous deliveries with zero safety incidents. With Zipline, hospitals, health facilities, and community health workers have on-demand access to a world-class pharmacy from nearly any location. Independent research shows its impact:
<ul>
<li>
Tens of thousands of lives have been saved through on-demand delivery&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Maternal deaths cut by&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4214918" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up to</a><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4214918" target="null">&nbsp;</a><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s12913-025-12479-1?sharing_token=YoYeeCFtBCzJFUzMyXq6qG_BpE1tBhCbnbw3BuzI2RME4g4J3KC4obXydI1hbKMRkSSYBGnOWMfSDG03SAYglrg1nJ8tlJuuagIjljn7zrFc0m3i6KRsH10oTVOZUMyMh1QqL6YZhXfdbn8qAD6YQY4oZASpbYl-sjOlakop1RRyd_lfIR775DueoKP_Hg-J" target="null">56%</a>&nbsp;in Zipline-supported health facilities&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Stockouts of medicine and vaccines&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.idinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Zipline-Brief-FINAL-Digital-v3-2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduced by 60%</a>&nbsp;where Zipline delivers&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Immunization rates&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X23007016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased 13-37 percentage points</a>&nbsp;in areas where Zipline operates&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Zipline was found to be one of the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.valuehealthregionalissues.com/article/S2212-1099%2824%2900099-2/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most cost-effective immunization interventions</a>&nbsp;ever studied, measured in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
In some places where Zipline operates in Africa, the average time between when a health facility places an order to when it is delivered is 13 days. Zipline cut that to under 30 minutes for the facilities it serves in the country.&nbsp;
Since 2016, federal and state ministries of health in Africa have procured and paid for Zipline&rsquo;s services to achieve health and economic improvements in their countries. This expansion backs these countries&rsquo; visions and multiplies the impact of African leaders and their domestic investments.&nbsp;
The partnership with the State Department signals a new era of commercial diplomacy&nbsp;&mdash; one that uses U.S. innovation to drive global health and economic development. This is also the State Department&rsquo;s first award that uses AI, robotics and autonomous logistics to improve health outcomes. Rwanda is expected to be the first country to sign an agreement under this new model.
&ldquo;African governments are choosing to invest their own resources in Zipline because it works, and it&rsquo;s incredible value for money. It solves intractable global health challenges like maternal mortality, malnutrition, and under 5 mortality,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline&rsquo;s Africa business. &ldquo;This award marks a pivotal moment in foreign aid &mdash; the U.S. government is backing Africa&rsquo;s vision, building the infrastructure Africa wants, and accelerating the adoption of American innovation that&rsquo;s proven to work and recognized as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions ever studied. It will forever change the trajectory of human health and development in Africa.&rdquo;
The American financing will support the construction of new Zipline hubs, and will be released only after an African government has committed to expanding Zipline&rsquo;s operations in their country to meet agreed upon metrics for success. Each Zipline hub is a permanent piece of infrastructure, staffed entirely by local employees, which creates skilled local jobs and drives economic growth.&nbsp;
"Rwanda and Zipline have been working together for years to harness technology for the good of our people. We have witnessed the extraordinary impact of drone delivery &mdash; saving time, saving money, and saving lives,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Minister Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Government of Rwanda. &ldquo;With this partnership, we will now expand to urban delivery, bringing these benefits to even more communities. We thank the U.S. Government for supporting Zipline&rsquo;s expansion and for joining us in building the foundation for Africa&rsquo;s future in healthcare and innovation.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;With more than 200 million people, Nigeria faces unique challenges and opportunities in delivering healthcare equitably and efficiently. Existing Zipline operations in three Nigerian states have shown how drone delivery can transform access to healthcare &mdash; eliminating stockouts, creating new service points even where there is no health facility, driving growth in facility visits and treatment rates, and improving treatment success and health outcomes,&rdquo; said&nbsp;
Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria. &ldquo;We applaud the U.S. Government&rsquo;s support for innovations like Zipline that can potentially advance our vision for a healthier, more equitable future for our people and are in discussions to find a sustainable path working together.&rdquo;
"In C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire, our priority is to guarantee every citizen rapid, reliable, and equitable access to essential health products.&ldquo; Since the launch of Zipline&rsquo;s operations in our country, we have witnessed the concrete impact of medical drone delivery: shorter supply times, improved availability of vital products, strengthened capacities of our health facilities, and better services delivered to our populations, including those in rural and remote areas. With the expansion of this partnership, we now aim to amplify these results and extend these benefits to an even larger number of communities across the entire territory,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Pierre Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage of C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire. &ldquo;This approach is fully aligned with our vision of a modern, resilient health system capable of innovating to meet tomorrow&rsquo;s needs. We also welcome the support of the United States Government in advancing this effort, which contributes to strengthening our health sovereignty and building an Ivorian model of excellence in health innovation.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Today autonomous logistics reaches less than 1% of the global population. This award comes one step closer to closing that gap, and it&rsquo;s only the beginning.&nbsp;
There is a massive opportunity to bring autonomous logistics to billions of people worldwide. This award is designed to be easily replicated by those who work in foreign aid and philanthropy: scale what works, pay for results, and enable countries to thrive long term.
When Zipline made its first delivery in 2016 it was seen as a crazy experiment. Now, the largest government in the world is doubling down on what Zipline is building and with the support of America and Africa, autonomous logistics is becoming the backbone of tomorrow's infrastructure around the world.

Elton John AIDS Foundation celebrates Zipline's $150 million funding

Trending News

18 September 2025
<a href="https://steadicopter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steadicopter</a>, a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, is proud to announce a new operational capability developed in collaboration with <a href="https://parazero.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ParaZero</a>: the integration of the DropAir precision airdrop system into Steadicopter&rsquo;s <a href="https://steadicopter.com/ruav-systems/black-eagle-50e-electric/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Eagle 50E</a> all-electric unmanned helicopter.
The DropAir module transforms the Black Eagle 50E into a highly accurate and autonomous airborne delivery platform. Equipped with dual-mode parachute deployment and advanced drop algorithms, the system enables precise mid-air release of mission-critical payloads&mdash;including medical supplies, ammunition, or spare parts&mdash;with minimal drift, even in harsh conditions or GPS-denied environments.
Combined with the Black Eagle 50E&rsquo;s VTOL capabilities, long endurance, and minimal logistic footprint, this integration supports rapid, flexible resupply across remote or contested areas. It is ideal for both tactical and humanitarian missions.
&ldquo;This collaboration with ParaZero brings a new level of agility and precision to aerial logistics,&rdquo; said Noam Lidor, CEO at Steadicopter. &ldquo;Together, we are enabling forces to operate smarter and faster-delivering supplies exactly where and when they&rsquo;re needed, with no compromise on accuracy or safety.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Our shared vision to enhance unmanned aerial capabilities is reflected in this integration,&rdquo; added Ariel Alon, CEO of ParaZero. &ldquo;With DropAir onboard, the Black Eagle 50E becomes a powerful tool for precision aerial delivery in the most demanding environments.&rdquo;
<h5>About Black Eagle 50E</h5>
The Black Eagle 50E is a mature, operational, high-performance, all-electric propulsion , providing superior-high-quality real-time intelligence, with high mission versatility and nearly zero logistic footprint . It supports multi-mission operations with advanced sensors and payload integration.
<h5>About Steadicopter</h5>
Steadicopter Ltd. is a leading developer of rotary tactical unmanned aerial systems for military, homeland security, and civilian missions. Its vertical take-off and landing UAVs are known for endurance, adaptability, and advanced mission sensor suites. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified for development, manufacturing, and marketing.
<h5>About ParaZero</h5>
ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: PRZO) is an aerospace defense company pioneering smart, autonomous solutions for the global manned and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry. Founded in 2014 by aviation professionals and drone industry veterans, ParaZero is a recognized leader in advanced drone technologies, supporting commercial, industrial, and governmental operations worldwide. The company&rsquo;s product portfolio includes SafeAir, an autonomous parachute recovery system designed for aerial safety and regulatory compliance; DefendAir, a counter-UAS net-launching platform for protection against hostile drones in both battlefield and urban environments; and DropAir, a precision aerial delivery system. ParaZero&rsquo;s mission is to redefine the boundaries of aerial operations with intelligent, mission-ready systems that enhance safety, scalability, and security.&nbsp;

Steadicopter and ParaZero Introduce Precision Airdrop Capability

15 September 2025
Drones are no longer being viewed only as futuristic prototypes; instead, they are being recognized as essential tools for industries ranging from agriculture to security.
Yet one of the most exciting frontiers drone deliveries has struggled to move beyond pilot projects into everyday reality. The reason is clear: the delivery of packages by drone at scale has been considered one of the hardest challenges in modern logistics.
At <a href="https://bulbuldelivery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bulbul</a>, this challenge has been addressed through the development of a platform in which advanced algorithms, AI-driven decision-making, and machine learning techniques have been applied. As a result, drone delivery is being enabled not only as a possibility but as a scalable, safe, and sustainable solution.
<h5>From Aerospace Engineering to Building Bulbul</h5>
Ankur Verma, co-founder and CTO of Bulbul Inc. His career was initiated in India as project manager in Aviation IT projects, where he worked with major global airlines to strengthen their flight safety and quality assurance systems. Through this role, he gained a deep understanding for aviation regulations and systems engineering, yet he recognized that a critical opportunity was being overlooked: the application of advanced aviation logic to real-world last mile delivery challenges.
Inefficiencies in traditional logistics&mdash;delayed supplies, pollution, traffic congestion, and high last-mile costs&mdash;were frequently encountered, leading to a question that reshaped his professional direction:
Why wasn&rsquo;t the sky being utilized more effectively for everyday deliveries?
This question eventually led Mr. Verma to California, where Bulbul was co-founded with his partner Mr. Elyas. From the beginning, the mission was defined clearly: a reliable, autonomous drone delivery ecosystem was to be created to reduce costs, save time, and increase the resilience of logistics.
<h5>Why Drone Delivery Matters?</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/4BZBGPlv6gcWLKR7k2qp1mylWJ4feRWVdTuiAdPD.png" alt="" width="697" height="392" />
Last-mile delivery has been identified as the most complex and expensive segment of traditional logistics. Whether food, retail products, or life-saving medicines are involved, the final leg of the journey has often been shown to account for over 50% of total delivery cost. Road-based methods have also been associated with congestion and higher carbon emissions.
The adoption of drones has been recognized as a compelling alternative, since they offer:
&bull; Faster response times in critical cases such as medical emergencies.
&bull; Reduced carbon footprint compared with cars, vans and bikes.
&bull; Accessibility to rural or disaster-affected areas where road infrastructure is unreliable.
However, three significant hurdles have been observed to limit the large-scale adoption of drone delivery:
&bull; Scalability &ndash; the difficulty of managing hundreds or thousands of drones across wide regions.
&bull; Safety and Reliability &ndash; the requirement to comply with airspace regulations and avoid risks in real time.
&bull; Interoperability &ndash; the challenge of enabling different types of drones (multirotor, fixed wing, hybrid VTOLs, etc.) and missions to operate together seamlessly.
These challenges have been the central focus at Bulbul.
<h5>Bulbul&rsquo;s Innovation: Smarter Skies, Not Just Smarter Drones</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/FTtGHgkzOer7WDULrHlCTyFUqo4XIVMcHJJq4LjW.png" alt="" width="673" height="379" />
Drone delivery initiatives have frequently been centred on hardware alone. Yet it has been observed that drones, when left without intelligent systems, are comparable to planes without air traffic control.
A platform-first approach has therefore been established at Bulbul. Within this approach, systems have been developed in which:
&bull; AI-driven route planning is utilized to optimize airspace usage, mission planning along with FAA&rsquo;s compliance checks.
&bull; Machine learning models are employed to predict technical issues before they occur, thereby maintaining safety.
&bull; Scalable infrastructure is applied to allow fleets of drones from multiple manufacturers to be coordinated under one unified system.
In essence, our goal is to develop a digital backbone for scalable drone delivery operations, where hardware and software have been integrated in a way that allows true autonomy and scale to be achieved.
<h5>Real-World Use Cases</h5>
At Bulbul, we are exploring three major markets:
&bull; Healthcare and Life Saving Logistics &ndash; life-saving drugs, AEDs and other medical supplies can be delivered within minutes to remote areas.
&bull; Food and Retail Delivery &ndash; Businesses are being enabled to serve customers more quickly and sustainably.
&bull; Emergency Response &ndash; Essential supplies can be transported when conventional routes are inaccessible.
During one study, delivery times for rural communities in hills were analyzed. Journeys that required over an hour by road were shown to be achievable in under 20 minutes using Bulbul&rsquo;s proprietary platform ADFP.
<h5>Building Trust Through Safety and Compliance</h5>
In aviation, trust has always been regarded as non-negotiable. For drone delivery, the same principle has been applied. At Bulbul, the following measures have been prioritized:
&bull; Predictive safety checks conducted with the support of AI models.
&bull; Compliance frameworks aligned with FAA&rsquo;s Part 135 Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) operations.
&bull; Fail-safe protocols integrated to guarantee mission continuity and safe landings with enhanced obstacle detection, inflight rerouting, Precision landing and Realtime RTH implementation.
Through these measures, confidence has been fostered among regulators, businesses, and communities alike.
<h5>The Road Ahead: From Drones to Air Mobility</h5>
Drone delivery has been positioned as the first step in a much broader transformation. The same principles&mdash;autonomous fleet operations, predictive analytics, and AI-driven airspace management&mdash;are expected to lay the foundation for urban air mobility. This future may include not only delivery drones, but also heavy-lift cargo systems and passenger eVTOLs.
At Bulbul, the vision has been articulated clearly: &ldquo;The skies are to be made as reliable and accessible as the highways used today.&rdquo;
<h5>A Call for Collaboration</h5>
The story of Bulbul has been defined by persistence and vision by the founding team. From the early years of Mr. Verma in aviation safety and quality assurance to the creation of a next-generation drone delivery platform ADFP (Automated Drone Flying Platform) here in California, each step has been guided by the principle of solving problems that matter.
A platform has been built that demonstrates what is possible, but it has also beenrecognized that scaling drone delivery globally cannot be achieved by one company alone. Collaboration&mdash;with regulators, innovators, and logistics providers&mdash;will be required to make this vision a reality. The skies are opening, and with the right partnerships, they can be transformed into a shared resource that is safe, efficient, and transformative for global logistics.
<h5>See the Future</h5>
<div style="padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;"><iframe style="position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 675px; height: 379px;" title="Bulbul Drone Delivery" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1105113926?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>

Building the Future of Scalable Drone Delivery

26 June 2025
<a href="https://www.doordash.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DoorDash</a> and <a href="https://www.flytrex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flytrex</a> today announced the launch of their drone delivery service in the&nbsp;Dallas-Fort Worth&nbsp;metroplex, expanding upon a successful pilot program. Customers in parts of&nbsp;Little Elm&nbsp;and&nbsp;Frisco&nbsp;can now order food from dozens of local and national restaurants, including from Papa Johns King Road location and The Brass Tap, between 8:00am and 9:30pm, with delivery via Flytrex&rsquo;s autonomous drone fleet.
This marks Flytrex&rsquo;s first third-party app integration, enabling customers to place orders directly through the DoorDash app. Eligible customers can select drone delivery at checkout, with orders prepared at restaurants and flown to their homes. The service currently reaches over 30,000 households and more than 100,000 residents, with additional DFW sites launching soon.
DoorDash now offers the region&rsquo;s most expansive drone operating hours and the highest payload capacity. Flytrex drones can carry up to 6.6 pounds&mdash;the largest in the region&mdash;and next-generation models will increase capacity to 8.8 pounds.
&ldquo;The next phase of drone delivery is all about convenience, driven by expanded capabilities that unlock a broader range of use cases,&rdquo; said Harrison Shih, Head of Product for DoorDash Labs. &ldquo;Larger payloads and longer operating hours allow us to serve more customers, more efficiently, than ever before. By expanding the operational envelope of autonomous delivery, we&rsquo;re moving closer to making drone delivery a scalable, reliable option for everyday local commerce."
"Drone delivery offers suburban families exactly what they're looking for: speed, affordability, and convenience," said Yariv Bash, CEO and co-founder of Flytrex. "Your food arrives hot or cold as intended, and you get contactless delivery right to your backyard. For busy families juggling work and activities, it's a game-changer that fits perfectly into your daily routine."
The pilot program completed over 1,000 deliveries, demonstrating strong consumer adoption and satisfaction. Flytrex has also implemented advanced drone traffic control technology, enabling multiple drone operators to serve overlapping communities while safely managing flight paths through automated systems, an innovation that broadens suburban coverage.
Drone deliveries have been embraced by the local community, with multiple drop-off points set up at public and communal locations throughout town. The Flytrex service has supported STEM-focused community events and empowered local businesses by offering their customers this new innovative delivery option.
This partnership stems from DoorDash Labs, the company&rsquo;s robotics and automation division, which focuses on identifying and integrating autonomous solutions that can enhance the customer experience, drive increased demand for local merchants, and create more earning opportunities for Dashers.
<h5>About DoorDash </h5>
DoorDash is one of the world&rsquo;s leading local commerce platforms that helps businesses of all kinds grow and innovate, connects consumers to the best of their neighborhoods, and gives people fast, flexible ways to earn. Since its founding in 2013, DoorDash has expanded to over 30 countries, using technology and logistics to shape the future of commerce. Through its Marketplace and its Commerce Platform, DoorDash is driving economic vitality in the regions it serves worldwide.
<h5>About Flytrex </h5>
Flytrex is a leader in ultrafast, on-demand drone food delivery. The company has completed over 200,000 deliveries across&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;and&nbsp;North Carolina, transforming last-mile logistics for suburban communities with affordable, scalable access to aerial delivery. Flytrex operates in multiple&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;states and continues to expand its footprint, focusing on enhancing quality of life through innovation in autonomous logistics.

DoorDash and Flytrex Debut Drone Delivery

12 June 2025
Walmart, which launched drone delivery in 2021, has added Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa to its airborne distribution system.
The retailer states it has made more than 150,000 drone deliveries since debuting the service in Dallas, Texas and Bentonville, Arkansas.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This expansion of our drone delivery service marks a significant milestone in that journey," said Walmart senior vice president of U.S. Transformation and Innovation Greg Cathey. "As the first retailer to scale drone delivery, Walmart is once again demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance our delivery offerings with a focus on speed.&rdquo;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/WA5KcebRn5BklI80krKTfAFJPaPfjclYnr0JVtUH.png" alt="" width="311" height="288" />
If you live in one of the cities slated for expanded drone delivery services, you can sign up on <a href="https://wing.com/walmart#walmartsignup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wing</a> for notifications and next steps.
<h5 class="gnt_ar_b_p">See How Walmart Drone Delivery is Expanding</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/loHy7BGWutg?si=nUEt0aC2A-hDakUP" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Walmart Expands Drone Delivery Service

Drone Delivery

2nd May 2025
&nbsp;
DZYNE Technologies, a leading innovator in autonomous defense solutions, announced today the delivery of multiple &ldquo;Grasshopper&rdquo; expendable aerial cargo glider vehicles to the U.S. Air Force. This delivery is part of a broader ongoing program to enhance contested logistics capabilities.
A Game-Changer in Contested Logistics
Designed for precision aerial logistics, Grasshopper offers a cost-effective, autonomous solution for delivering payloads in high-risk environments while minimizing operational risks for manned aircraft. Developed in response to a warfighter request for standoff cargo delivery, Grasshopper was created in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force to provide a low-cost logistics solution capable of reaching areas inaccessible to traditional aircraft.
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"The delivery of Grasshopper is a testament to the success of our collaboration with the Air Force in developing an autonomous resupply solution that meets the demands of contested environments," said Matthew McCue CEO of DZYNE Technologies. "By working closely, we were able to design and refine the Grasshopper product line into a cost-effective, high-performance aerial logistics platform. This milestone underscores the impact of this partnership, and the critical role Grasshopper will play not only in contested logistics but also in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, where rapid, precise, and unmanned delivery of critical supplies can save lives."
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The Grasshopper has transitioned from a research effort to a fielded capability in under 12 months due to close cooperation between the Air Force, DZYNE Technologies, and its users. This latest delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize aerial resupply capabilities in contested environments.
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"Grasshopper represents a transformative leap in autonomous resupply," added Dr. Thomas Howell, Portfolio Lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory. "Its ability to deliver critical payloads from standoff distances while keeping our aircraft and crews out of harm&rsquo;s way is a major advantage in modern operational environments."
Expected Operational Value 
<ul>
<li>Delivering cargo from beyond enemy threat ranges into denied environments</li>
<li>Supports humanitarian relief and logistics resupply missions</li>
<li>Deployable from a variety of platforms</li>
</ul>
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Scalable for Growing Demand
Building on the success of the short- to mid-range Grasshopper, DZYNE Technologies is actively developing a longer-range variant, expected to be available in early 2026, to further enhance autonomous logistics capabilities in contested environments.
To accommodate rising demand for the Grasshopper product line and DZYNE Technologies' UAS division&mdash; featuring flagship products ULTRA and LEAP&mdash;the company expanded its manufacturing footprint in late 2023. The new 125,000-square-foot facility in Irvine, California, is now ramping up Grasshopper production to fulfill current and future orders as part of the broader program.
&nbsp;
About DZYNE Technologies&nbsp;
DZYNE is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of airborne and ground-based autonomous defense solutions purpose-built to meet modern defense needs around the globe. The company&rsquo;s solutions encompass the entire autonomous defense lifecycle and include multiple U.S. Government Programs of Record across UAS and C-UAS technologies. DZYNE is proud to support U.S. and allied military and civil defense partners worldwide. For more information, visit <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://www.dzyne.com/">www.dzyne.com</a>.&nbsp;

DZYNE Delivers New Autonomous Cargo Glider ‘Grasshopper’ to US Air Force

03 June 2024
<header class="recurrent-article-hero article-hero" aria-label="Article Hero">
<div class="article-featured-image-caption-container">The much-hyped, occasionally stalled Amazon drone delivery program received a massive boost last week when the FAA provided the company with a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) certification. The FAA ruling really clears the path for accelerated progress&mdash;and increased range&mdash;as previous drone deliveries had to be made within a pilot's sight lines. As a result, most of Amazon's deliveries&mdash;small packages being the norm (five pounds maximum payload)&mdash;were dropped off to just a few Amazon Fulfillment Centers.</div>
<div class="article-featured-image-caption-container">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="article-featured-image-caption-container">The next phases of the plan could include package delivery right to your door.</div>
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Read Amazon's Blog on the Certification</h5>
<h5 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-drone-prime-air-expanded-delivery-faa-approval">https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-drone-prime-air-expanded-delivery-faa-approval</a></h5>
The BVLOS approval will let Amazon Air pilots deploy remote instruments and onboard monitoring technology to zoom deliver drones to areas they can't see&mdash;at least with their very own eyes.
</header>
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<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">To get the BVLOS approval, Amazon had to enact real-world demonstrations in front of FAA inspectors to prove the company's "detect and avoid" tech safely identified and steered clear of airplanes, helicopters, and other airborne obstacles.</div>
<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">But the FAA cerification isn't open to all locations across the United States. Yet.</div>
<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">The initial approval is for an "expanded, densely populated" delivery area near Amazon's College Station, Texas, Fulfillment Center.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="cnx-button cnx-bp-lg-lit " tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Full Screen (F)">Amazon also revealed it is testing Prime Air in Arizona and California, and is planning to upgrade its drone fleet to quieter MK30 models with more range, as well as the ability to fly in less-than-clear weather.&nbsp;</div>
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</section>

FAA Gives Amazon Air BVLOS Approval

14 March 2024
When it comes to saving life, time is of essence. As a result, the faster a drone can deliver emergency supplies to the destination the higher the probability that the given patient will survive. But making a practical and fast drone is not very straightforward. We must first consider two fundamental design features: fuel and propulsion.
Most modern drones are battery powered, specifically lithium-polymer. However, liquid-fuel such as Diesel has 40-times the energy density of lithium batteries. This means that we can pack 40-times more energy into a drone that is diesel-fueled as opposed to battery-powered &ndash; this is particularly useful if we want to deliver a payload fast and on-time. Next, we need to consider the right engine to convert this fuel to thrust. Once again, we are left with several choices ranging from propellers to electric ducted fans (EDF). In the end of the day, when it comes to atmospheric engines, nothing beats a jet-engine. A micro jet-engine works just like the big engines on modern airliners just shrunk down to the size of a soda-can. The purpose of such an engine is to generate a high temperature jet. The higher the temperature of the jet, the faster the aircraft can go.
The <a href="https://fusionflight.com/jetquad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AB6 JetQuad</a> drone takes these concepts into consideration and combines four micro jet engines and a centrally positioned diesel tank. To guarantee precise and safe delivery of supplies, the JetQuad engines are also equipped with innovative thrust vectoring systems (TVS). A TVS goes on the end of each engine and is responsible for deflecting the jet coming out of the nozzle in a specific direction. The TVS allows the JetQuad to take-off and land vertically, hover, and ensures consistent jet-engine start in a variety of terrains. Most importantly, the JetQuad is capable of cruising at a velocity of 200mph for approximately 15 minutes using the onboard 5 gallon tank. This means that the effective range is 50-miles, more then plenty to cover a majority of emergency medical delivery missions.
Medical deliveries are not just limited by medical equipment or medicines and may also involve organs. Hospital-to-hospital on-demand organ transportation is a lucrative business with great applications to high-speed drones such as the JetQuad. Being fueled by Kerosene-based fuel combined with the ability to take-off and land on standard helipads means that a JetQuad can take advantage of existing helipad infrastructure already in place at most hospitals. Moreover, newer models of the micro jet-engines come with built-in generators which means that future variants of the JetQuad will be able to support active on-board refrigeration of life-critical supplies (such as blood and organs).
<h5>AB8 Axion</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/cE4weerc9iwOwRCtM5hTMeqt28WRFgPpRAr3tpmO.jpg" alt="" width="676" height="381" />
The technology does not just stop there. The AB6 JetQuad paves the way for the much bigger AB8 Axion. The Axion (currently in prototype phase) is a scaled-up JetQuad with four times the power output. It will be able to transport actual patients from tough to reach terrain not normally accessible by helicopter ambulance. The Axion will also be much cheaper to operate than a comparable helicopter and will take advantage of existing infrastructure as well.
There are several more practical advantages to using a jet-powered drone. Unlike batteries which can take hours to recharge, diesel fuel takes only minutes to refuel. Furthermore, the jet-engines and TVS are designed in such a way so that they remain completely internal to the frame of the vehicle. This means that there are no external surfaces or airfoils which may fail in adverse weather conditions. Lastly, the centrifugal compressors of the jet-engines greatly facilitate operation in high-altitude and cold temperatures &ndash; an environment where typical battery-powered propeller drones greatly suffer in performance.
<a href="https://fusionflight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FusionFlight</a> is a small business based out of the DFW metroplex, Texas, USA. FusionFlight has been developing the JetQuad technology since 2016 and is currently in the late stages of flight qualifications for the drone. In addition, FusionFlight produces a micro jet-engine based diesel generator called the ARC, which has already been sold to various customers across the world. As we enter the age of electrification, most tend to dismiss fuel-based technology as &ldquo;ancient&rdquo;. FusionFlight is on a mission to prove that the age of jet-engines is not over yet, and there are still abundant applications for micro jet-engine powered machines ranging from saving life to logistics.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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Jet Drone!

31 January 2024
The new <a href="https://www.dji.com/flycart-30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJI​​ FlyCart 30</a> seeks to disrupt and evolve the cargo-drone space with its ability to cart a full 88 lb. payload up to ten miles at a maximum speed of 45 mph.
Let's look at what this beast promises...
<h5 class="speakable">Cargo Loading</h5>
If it's an easy load on flat ground, users can simply open the FC30's cargo case and place or remove the package. If the delivery is slightly more treacherous, a package can be attached to a tether connected to a motorized winch. The FC30 can hover in place to allow easy pickup by simply lowering the package to the ground.
<h5 class="speakable">Bad Weather? No Problem!</h5>
The DJI FlyCart 30 is one tough cargo vehicle. It can sail through brutal weather conditions&mdash;operating in temperatures from -4 to 113 degrees, working in wind speeds up to 27 mph, and zoom as high as 19,685 feet above sea level. The FC30 is also dust resistant.&nbsp;
You don't have to worry about the video feed being compromised by bad weather, either. The DJI O3 video-transmission system&mdash;which supports 4G-enhanced video&mdash;ensures high-quality video can be delivered up 12 miles with low latency and minimal interference.
There's also a redundant pilot feature that lets two operators share control of the FC30. In addition, its high-res FPV camera can deliver an immersive flight view.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Lh367nofGwJoHdjQmcasIfE5KutWmSoDbaz95JuI.png" alt="" width="486" height="317" />
<div class="image-ct inline">
<div class="m"><picture><source srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/343/192/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/686/384/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x" media="(max-width: 767px)" /><source srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/672/378/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/1344/756/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)" /><source srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/931/523/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/1862/1046/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x" media="(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)" /><source srcset="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/720/405/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/01/1440/810/4-How-this-new-heavy-duty-drone-can-carry-up-to-88-lb-of-cargo.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x" media="(min-width: 1280px)" /></picture></div>
<h5 class="m">Safety First</h5>
<div class="m">Speaking of redundacies, the FC30 can ensure safe flight even if a single battery fails, it has an integrated parachute (which can even deploy at low altitudes), and it includes intelligent obstacle sensing (via radar and binocular vision to and avoid obstacles in multiple directions). In addition, the FC30 has an ADS-B signal receiver to warn operators of nearby crewed aircraft.</div>
<div class="m">&nbsp;</div>
<h5 class="m">Ease of Use</h5>
The DJI FlyCart 30 is foldable for near-effortless transport and storage. A 70 L EPP case protects the drone and the payload. The FC30 also supports automatic operations via the DJI Pilot 2 app, DJI DeliveryHub platform and Health Management System.
<div class="m">
<h5>What's YOUR Take?</h5>
Does the DJI FlyCart 30 have what it takes to more drone deliveries forward, or do drone-delivery strategies need more innovation and features before we see a significant business uptick in the field? Share your views by writing the editor at <a href="mailto:mmolenda@thedroningcompany.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mmolenda@thedroningcompany.com</a>.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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DJI FlyCart 30 Can Carry 88 pounds!

[Photo Credit: A2Z Drone Delivery]
04 January 2023
By Aaron Zhang, Founder and CEO of A2Z Drone Delivery, Inc.
Ask the average consumer to conjure an image of drone delivery and their most-likely image is of parcels being deposited on their front step or burritos and pizzas flying through their neighborhood. This misconception is likely born out of the earliest conceptualization of making deliveries with UAVs. While residential drone delivery continues to expand around the world, and the US market sees new regulatory allowances almost monthly, delivery drones are actually hard at work in a litany of applications.
It has now been 10 years since drone delivery entered the consumer lexicon largely from the lips of Amazon&rsquo;s Jeff Bezos. In recent days, some of the early pioneers of drone delivery have made massive strides in bringing Bezos&rsquo; vision to reality with the FAA granting waivers for Zipline and Alphabet&rsquo;s Wing to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) deliveries without visual observers. This effectively boosts the range of these residential deliveries in the cities and towns where drone trials have been rapidly expanding over recent years.
Leveraging UAVs to support logistics operations certainly offers several advantages over traditional last-mile ground transportation. Battery-powered drones significantly slash emissions for delivery vehicles, and their autonomous capability reduces operational costs and fuel consumption. Commercial delivery drones can quickly reach remote areas and traverse these distances much faster than ground vehicles. Of course, transferring payloads from the UAV to the ground, safely and accurately is the key to the effectiveness of drone delivery.
Some drone delivery outfits have elected to dead drop parcels, bringing the delivery drone to a low hover before the package is simply dropped on location. Parachute delivery has also been in use by the likes of Zipline, especially in remote locations, and guided parachutes were introduced in recent months that allow pilots to drop a parcel from altitude and effectively steer the package to its destination. More common though, drone deliveries culminate with a parcel being deposited to the ground at the end of a drone delivery winch. A winch delivery strikes the ideal balance of safety and efficiency in delivery methods. It allows the drone to maintain altitude where spinning propellers are far from people and property, and minimizes the UAV&rsquo;s time-on-station.
<a href="https://www.a2zdronedelivery.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A2Z Drone Delivery</a> developed the industry&rsquo;s first purpose-built commercial drone delivery winch in 2019. Its innovative design quickly became the preferred drone winch for commercial deliveries and logistics operators. Companies like DroneUp adopted the winch as it rapidly scaled its residential delivery trials for partners like Walmart. While early adopters like DroneUp, Zipline and Wing have continued to expand these trials in the US, drone winches have proliferated commercial logistics operations in a wide array of commercial sectors where regulatory allowances make drone delivery a smart choice for expediting payloads delivery, often to hard-to-reach destinations.
The use cases for commercial drone delivery winches are truly diverse.
<h5>Streamlining Offshore Logistics</h5>
Operations interruptions on offshore oil platforms can be extremely costly. Currently, most operators rely on slow-moving, logistically-complicated ship deliveries to bring replacement parts to their platforms. Winch-equipped drones have enabled these operators to streamline deliveries of spare parts and tools, even medicines and mail for crew serving on the ocean platforms.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/MOlSKjldfdJcF8R6lDY3naYaZTC2UfvrFMpAkutL.png" alt="" width="676" height="361" />
[Photo Credit: Nordic Unmanned]
Leveraging delivery drones enables shore-to-platform and inter-platform delivery of mission critical spare parts in a fraction of the time as traditional ship-born deliveries. Leveraging the latest drone delivery solutions, operators at Norway&rsquo;s <a href="https://nordicunmanned.com/news/equinor-and-nordic-unmanned-offshore-logistics-drones/">Nordic Unmanned</a> worked with energy giant Equinor to conduct offshore logistics using drones. The first-of-its-kind mission saw cargo flights between offshore installations at the Gullfaks Field in the North Sea as well as between offshore installations and vessels. These drone deliveries not only mitigated operational downtime, but limited the manpower needed for offshore logistics, and enabled operators to reduce carbon emissions for these smaller parts deliveries.
With the drone winch&rsquo;s tethered delivery system, delivery drones are able to steer well clear of the antennas and towers on an offshore energy platform. Leveraging an auto-release system, the drone can deposit payloads without personnel waiting to receive them as well. The A2Z Drone Delivery RDS2 drone winch can autodetect a tether that is fouled on a ship railing or other obstruction and release the tether to protect the drone. When retrieving payloads from the ground, it also automatically weighs payloads before reeling up the package to prevent overweight payloads from risking the drone.
<h5>Assisting First Responders</h5>
Rapidly deploying life-saving medical equipment to first responders in the field is another application for which drone winches are ideally suited. One piece of equipment that is routinely being delivered by drone is portable Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). In fact, last year a drone-born defibrillator helped save a man&rsquo;s life when he experienced cardiac issues while shoveling his driveway in Sweden!
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/72P2ZkD8yLVSHyR0qSohpSOMJK63M3azn4Npt4KJ.png" alt="" width="679" height="364" />
[Photo Credit: Antwork Technology]
Delivering life-saving technology like AEDs requires some finesse. Simply dropping a unit from the sky would likely damage the equipment, rendering it useless. Leveraging the drone winch, the AEDs can be lowered to the ground gently, and accurately, right to the waiting hands of first responders assisting a victim.
Proactive efforts to expand the rapid-deployment of AEDs is even becoming part of large event planning. During the recent 2023 Asian Games in China, drone service provider, <a href="https://www.antwork.link/">Antwork Technology</a>, deployed its drone-in-a-box solution equipped with a winch to safely and quickly lower AEDs to awaiting first responders. By delivering from altitude, the drone winch ensured spinning drone propellers would be kept far from the massive crowd attending the games. The winch&rsquo;s quick-release mechanism also ensured responders on the ground did not have to take their attention from their patient to remove the payload.
<h5>Improving Search and Rescue</h5>
Search and rescue applications are another arena where drones equipped with delivery winches can have life-saving appeal. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.sait.ca/">Southern Alberta Institute of Technology</a> (SAIT) have demonstrated the value of drone delivery platforms to assist in search and rescue operations, by providing remote guided medical triage for simulated injured hikers. Leveraging remote medical triage helps buy rescuers invaluable time to reach victims and extract them to a trauma center.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Ni5ucjKyppm2MhkSAGwvv2IRAJ63QmHSjrUkUAov.png" alt="" width="670" height="498" />
[Photo Credit: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology]
In this testing, researchers deposited a remote medical kit and communications device to simulated injured hikers using a drone winch, then connected them directly to a trauma specialist who was able to successfully walk them through applying several trauma treatments, including gauze packing, tourniquet and clamp, etc.
SAIT researchers, in partnership with the University of Calgary, one of Canada&rsquo;s largest health facilities, employed drones outfitted with a drone winch, to conduct its proof-of-concept tests. The winch drone allowed medical kits and communications devices to be lowered with precision to simulated downed hikers from altitude, which ensured spinning propellers were kept far from the &ldquo;hiker&rdquo; and surrounding trees, and enabled the drone to maintain its guided telemetry connection amongst undulating terrain.
<h5>What&rsquo;s Next for Drone Delivery?</h5>
Alongside the rapid development of the commercial delivery drone platforms and other drone delivery solutions, the commercial UAV industry has also been improving autonomous capabilities for drone delivery. Platforms like A2Z Drone Delivery&rsquo;s Pelican long-range, heavy-lift airframe allow pilots to simply tap waypoints into a touch screen ground control station and monitor the drone as it performs deliveries entirely autonomously. Other industry leaders continue to refine detect-and-avoid technology, air traffic control systems for drones, and other solutions that will come together to form the drone delivery ecosystem of the future. The next frontier for drone delivery to truly scale will be the development of dedicated infrastructure to support that growth. While trained pilots will always be necessary to oversee commercial drone deliveries, laying a user-friendly shared infrastructure for UAV payload delivery will drastically expand access to this game-changing logistics paradigm for businesses and individuals making drone delivery a tool for everyone to put to work.
About Aaron Zhang
Aaron Zhang is the Founder and CEO of A2Z Drone Delivery, Inc., which is developing innovative solutions to enable safe, accurate and low-noise drone deliveries. Focused on last-mile UAV delivery systems, A2Z Drone Delivery is creating UAV delivery platforms capable of pushing drone delivery into the mainstream of logistics operations. Based in Torrance, C.A., A2Z Drone Delivery originated as a drone delivery project at Brown University in 2016 and now services customers around the world which are leveraging its technology for a diverse array of applications.&nbsp;

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