Amazon Prime Air delivery drone
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Amazon, the largest e-commerce company in the U.S., wants to use autonomous drones to deliver packages to customers but, frustrated at the slow pace of drone legislation by the Federal Aviation Administration, is testing its Prime Air system in countries more favourable to drones

Blades: Eight 25cm propellers spin at 10,000 revolutions per minute, each providing 1.6kg of lift. If one fails, drone can remain aloft

Power: 10,000-mAh lithium ion polymer battery provides 30 minutes of flying time

91.4cm

Cargo box: Deliveries limited to small 2.25kg container. 86% of Amazon shipments are within this size range

Cameras: Drone will need “eyes” to avoid objects, but this opens up issues of civil liberties and privacy

Legs: Four sprung metal poles enable gentle landings on ground

DELIVERY

Clamp grips specially designed box

On landing, clamp releases cargo box

Drone flies back to base

Range: Customers must live within 16km of fulfilment centre
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GLOBAL INTERESTS

Countries where airspace integration allows for easier drone testing

Number of Amazon fulfilment centres, where Prime Air drone bases could be stationed

Canada

France
 
North America: 90

UK

Israel 

Europe: 28

Asia: 34

Australia
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Sources: Amazon, MWPVL International, wire agencies

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