Wing is introducing an additional aircraft into its delivery drone fleet that will simplify and streamline larger orders.
The company currently offer the ability for customers to fulfill larger orders, beyond what fits on one aircraft. According to Wing, 70% of all US orders are delivered by one of its aircraft, while 30% are delivered by two. To better serve that 30% and further optimize its business, the company is introducing an additional aircraft to complement its existing fleet.
Wing has taken an approach to aircraft development, called an Aircraft Library, where its team works on a variety of configurations and builds on core components already used for flight-proven aircraft. When a need is identified in the market – such as a larger aircraft for larger orders – the company can adapt its design to quickly and efficiently meet that need.
According to Wing, the new aircraft is the latest example of how it is using the design principles of the Aircraft Library to optimize drone delivery. By complementing Wing’s existing fleet of commercially operational aircraft, which carry about 2.5 pounds of payload, this additional aircraft is expected to make it even easier for customers to get what they need, when they want it.
The new aircraft has the same round-trip range of 12 miles and can cruise approximately 65 miles per hour, all while carrying a standard cardboard delivery box with a payload up to five pounds.
The aircraft is being designed to work with the existing infrastructure and automation systems that support the company’s current fleet.
With the new aircraft carrying more food, medicine, and household essentials, it will enable customers in urban and suburban areas to bundle their orders better and receive them in one quick trip.
According to Wing, the company intends to work with partners and regulatory stakeholders to introduce this new aircraft in its service areas within the next 12 months.
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