Delivery drone manufacturer Skycart has unveiled its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of delivering to four different locations, autonomously, in one single mission.
The Nimbus drone can fly at a maximum 80mph, with a range of 100 miles and top payload of 15kg. Skycart said its four-drop capacity represents a 75% reduction in drone traffic over single-parcel UAVs.
The Nimbus is equipped with a patented self-balancing system that regulates shifting weight distribution during missions as cargo offloading progresses. Deliveries can be made by line, using a parachute, or placed directly on the ground.
The manufacturer added it developed the Nimbus using improved aerodynamics that enable it to reach higher speeds with lower emissions. As part of that design, the drone sports forward canards that minimise both resistance and risk of stalling.
The UAV has been designed to delivery a range of goods in urban environments but Skycart believes Nimbus’s quad payload will be particularly valuable to organisations serving remote communities, especially in delivering Covid-19 vaccinations.
Simon Yuen, chief executive and technical officer at Skycart, said: “The Skycart Nimbus is crucial to saving lives because it bridges communities to major hospitals that can provide medical supplies to their smaller facilities over an aerial super highway, especially where roads present challenges. Every minute and every second count toward a patient’s survivability for emergency medical supplies.
“Our drones also eliminate expired drugs and vaccines, stock outs and spoilage because these crucial medical items can be delivered quickly and easily, without the need to store larger amounts on hand.”
Furthermore, its modular design allows any broken or damaged part to be easily replaced, minimising maintenance costs. It’s also outfitted with redundant processors, sensors, fail-safes, and an emergency recovery system.
