Aerial drone to make medical deliveries in the UK

The UK Government is fast-tracking the launch of a trial to use aerial drones to fly vital medical supplies from the British mainland to the Isle of Wight during the coronavirus pandemic.

The project will use an unmanned aerial vehicle, developed by the University of Southampton for the humanitarian charity Windracers.

The drone is a large, double engine, fix-winged aircraft capable of carrying up to 100kg, although in the early stages of the trial it will carry no more than 40kg. Its load volume is equivalent to a car boot.

The trial was due to start next year, but has been brought forward because of coronavirus.

Tom Cherrett, Professor of Logistics and Transport Management at the University of Southampton, said: “The concept of using drones to deliver medical supplies has been proven in countries such as Rwanda where they are helping to save lives by reaching isolated communities quickly and cheaply. The research we are embarking on over the next four years will investigate how such unmanned systems could be used in shared airspace and integrated within existing logistics operations in the UK.”

Photo: University of Southampton