Uber reveals next generation food delivery drone for vertical take-off and landing.
Uber’s new drone prototype will reportedly feature “innovative rotating wings with six rotors” - a design that has previously only so far featured in preliminary versions of flying cars. Uber Eats developed the rotating wing tech in a bid to avoid food spillages, as the design enables a smoother transition between vertical takeoff and forward flight.
The Uber drone’s rotors will be positioned vertically during take-off and landing.
We have convened leaders across industry and government to build this future of urban aviation and begin testing in cities as early as 2020 Uber Elevate
The rotors will then proceed to move into a forward position “for increased speed and efficiency during cruise flight”, The Verge reports.
NASA advanced aircraft engineer Dr Mark Moore designed similar rotors for the ride-sharing and food delivery company’s flying-taxi prototype which is part of the Uber’s Uber Elevate project, in a bid to launch its services to the skies. Test flights will be carried out next year in time for a commercial launch in 2023, reports The Verge.
Uber Eats drones can currently only hold a meal for two. But the craft has subsequently passed several internal reviews and will take flight by the end of the year, Uber has announced.
The Federal Aviation Administration gave Uber permission to test drone delivery in San Diego, California, with a cruising altitude of below 400ft (121m) to comply with drone regulations.
Uber claim the drone will be able to load and deliver a meal for two in only eight minutes and a range of 12 miles (19km).