Amazon’s faster, 50% quieter drone to begin deliveries in Arizona after FAA nod
The future of delivery is taking flight. Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has received regulatory approval to expand its drone delivery service.
Amazon's latest drone, the MK30, is smaller, quieter, and more capable than its predecessors. With the ability to fly longer distances and in light rain, this advanced drone is set to advance the delivery industry.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Amazon permission to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight deliveries in Tolleson, Arizona. This means drones can now fly farther and without constant human supervision.
"Our new drone, the MK30, has received FAA approval to begin operations to customers. Our approval includes the ability to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight, using our sophisticated on-board detect and avoid system," Amazon said in the press statement.
"This is a historic, first-of-its-kind approval for a new drone system and a new operating location following a rigorous FAA evaluation of the safety of our systems and processes," it added.
Less than hour delivery
Customers in the Tolleson, Arizona area can now receive eligible items weighing up to 5 pounds via drone delivery in less than an hour. However, they need to live near the company's Same-Day site.
Interestingly, they can choose from over 50,000 everyday essentials, such as household products, beauty items, and office/tech supplies, for fast drone delivery at a service fee.
The drone delivery will work in the West Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area in Arizona.
"This kind of delivery is the future, and it's exciting that it will be starting in the Phoenix Metro Area," said Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix, in the statement.
"The shift toward zero-emission package delivery will help us reduce local pollution and further cement our city as a hotbed for the innovative technology of tomorrow," added Gallego.
is 50% quieter
The Prime Air engineering team spent nearly two years developing the MK30 drone.
With advanced, safety-critical features, the drone can deliver packages to customers in smaller backyards and more crowded suburban neighborhoods.
The drone boasts twice the range of our previous models, is 50% quieter, and is designed to withstand rainy conditions.
The MK30 received aerospace-grade certification through a collaborative process with the FAA.
As per the company, the MK30 drone has also expanded its delivery operations to College Station, Texas. Amazon achieved record-breaking same-day and next-day delivery speeds for over 5 billion items globally earlier this year.
Reportedly, Amazon isn't alone in the race to dominate drone delivery. It faces competition from companies like Wing (owned by Alphabet), UPS, Walmart, and various startups including Zipline and Matternet.
