Proof of Concept for the VTOL Drone

Bell’s Autonomous Pod Transport, or APT, has proved its conceptual pack mule capabilities after airdropping test supplies successfully, another milestone for the project.

An unmanned VTOL quad-rotor, the APT is designed to carry two standard tactical packs, each carrying up to 60 pounds, with a maximum payload of 100 lbs. Ranging from ammunition, water, medical supplies, batteries, or fuel, the capability to flexibly resupply personnel with minimal impact to transit is one of the hallmarks of drone tasking. It can drop the bags over separate locations, if needed, allowing multiple units to be served in one trip. 

“This speed bag resupply feature is a game changer for the warfighter,” said Mike Goodwin, sales and strategy manager. “With the ability to drop supplies quickly and efficiently in a drop zone or a remote location, we can get critical supplies delivered as soon as they’re needed.” This supply-drop demonstration showcases the efficiency of the APT, with its targeted, accurate, speedy delivery besting almost every form of land transportation in use within the system. 

The convenient vertical takeoff feature allows for a smaller drop zone, allowing troops to come in closer to retrieve their supplies, as well as maintain their concealment. The APT is designed to hover over the target while detaching the packs, dropping them from the air in order to save battery power, minimize noisy takeoff power settings, and lessen the ease of identifying dug-in troops, should its approach be seen. 

Flying out of Yuma, Camp Lejeune, and Fort Benning, the APT program has completed more than 420 test flights, and should reach its next milestone by early 2022. Current development goals include more precise aerial drops while flying at its 70 knot cruise. Bell expects the APT to pay dividends outside of military service, soon to come to on-demand commercial delivery. 

FMI: www.bellflight.com