Zipline Tests Second Generation UAV - part 2

U.S. startup Zipline, which focuses on developing drones and using drones to deliver life-saving medical supplies, has demonstrated its second-generation delivery drone Zip 2, and plans to expand its business to the United States and other global markets this year. The Zip 2 drone has a maximum flying speed of 79 mph and a load of 3.85 pounds.

Zipline drones may look like airplanes, but they don't need a runway. The company's system involves three types of hardware: a set of drones, a track that uses motor winding cables to launch their tracks, and a tower with ropes to capture the drone on return. The company had previously demonstrated drones and launchers, but now it also shows the catcher.

Zipline's old system can launch about 50 drones per day, but it will simplify airplanes and electronic equipment and increase it to about 500 a day, Wyrobek said. The second-generation drones are now used in Rwanda and their cruising range is about 100 miles. In addition, the drone's electronic “brains”, communications, rc battery cables, and batteries are now integrated into one module. When Zipline gets an order via SMS, it takes about one to two minutes to send the destination to the electronic device instead of using the 10 minutes that were set earlier.

In addition, the second-generation drones now do not have to be assembled with multiple components, but only a single electronic module, which is lighter in weight - mounted on top of the drone. After that, an employee placed a payload on the drone, then scanned the device with a smartphone and digitally associated the payload with the drone. There is also a smartphone scanning several QR codes on the plane, triggering a quick test. Each flight can last up to 45 minutes per flight. In addition, drone air sensors measure wind speed and direction.

Zipline will only focus on medical supplies at this stage - it will begin with the delivery of blood and then begin to deliver vaccination and prescription drugs. Blood can only flow to the hospital, but other products will also expand Zipline's clinic services.