Purpose-Built Drone Will Be Tested In The Southern California City In 2020

San Diego residents may be able to have meals delivered by drone by Uber Eats as soon as later this year, and the company will start testing a purpose-built drone for the service in 2020.

San Diego Television station KGTV reports that Uber made the announcement at the Forbes' 30 Under 30 Summit. The company said it will begin testing Uber Eats delivery drones next summer, but that they may begin delivering food before the end of 2019 using partner drone operators.

The Uber Eats delivery drone will have six rotors that rotate, allowing for vertical takeoffs and landings, but providing greater speed in horizontal flight. It is designed to carry a meal for two people as far as 12 miles from its point of origin. The total range for the aircraft is estimated to be 18 miles.

The delivery drone is designed to fly below 400 feet and comply with current regulations. Uber Elevate says the drone can perform a delivery in eight minutes, including loading and unloading time.

The aircraft has passed the design review phase, and a first flight is expected before the end of the year.

(Image provided by Uber Elevate)

FMI: Source report