VTOL UAV Flies Like A Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Amazon Prime has released photos and video of its re-designed proposed delivery UAV, and it is a major departure from the more traditional quadcopter initially touted by the company.

The aircraft is a hybrid design that will take off and land vertically, but flies like a traditional fixed-wing aircraft between takeoff and landing. Amazon says the new UAV has a range of over 15 miles and can fly as fast as 47 knots (55 mph). The company says in the video that it is working on several variants that can operate in different environments and for special purposes.

The aircraft also would use at least some level of sense-and-avoid technology, and will be able to scan for an appropriate landing spot once it arrives and its programmed destination.

Still, the new aircraft won't be delivering packages to your door anytime soon. Current sense-and-avoid technology does not give the aircraft the ability to stay away from things like power lines. But the website Techcrunch says that if the company can work with the FAA within the framework of upcoming commercial UAV operation regulations, it may be sooner than anyone thinks.

(Image from Amazon YouTube video)

FMI: www.amazon.com