Boeing refines large-cargo drone, commences outdoor tests | Air Cargo World
Air Cargo World
Subscribe
  • News
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Cargo Airport Growth Summit
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Features
Friday, March 5, 2021
Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Airports
  • Carriers
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Logistics
  • E-Commerce
  • Freight Forwarders
  • Technology
Air Cargo World
  • News
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Cargo Airport Growth Summit
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Features
Log In
No Result
View All Result
Air Cargo World
No Result
View All Result

Boeing refines large-cargo drone, commences outdoor tests

Charles Kauffman by Charles Kauffman
May 6, 2019
in News, Technology
Reading Time: 1min read
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Pinterest

After a number of adjustments to the initial design of Boeing’s 227-kilogram capacity cargo drone, Boeing has commenced outdoor testing in environments that more closely mimic real-world conditions. The refreshed drone left the confines of the lab where it was developed and completed a series of outdoor maneuvers such as take-off, hovering, forward flying and landing.

Since unveiling the drone prototype last year, Boeing’s NeXt research lab has utilized data from indoor tests to make small refinements to the vehicle’s design. The prototype still has the same basic appearance and is powered by an electric propulsion system, but the latest iteration is heavier and has seen most of its dimension’s extended. The vehicle now measures 5.3 meters in length, is 6.1 meters wide and weighs 500kg – at its first unveiling, the prototype was a svelte 339 kgs.

Changes have also been made to the counter-rotating propellers that enable the device’s vertical and horizontal flight. The vehicle now boasts six dual-rotor systems and 12 propellers, a few more than the original design, which was equipped with just eight counter-rotating propellers.

Boeing said the next phases of tests will focus on furthering forward flight, load analysis and overall vehicle performance. Apart from the cargo air vehicle project, the Boeing NeXt research unit is exploring concepts that will advance urban, regional and global mobility and further autonomous flight technologies for cargo and passenger applications.

Here’s a video of the drone’s first outdoor flight:

Tags: Boeingcargo droneeVTOL
Previous Post

Air France-KLM reports ‘slowdown’ in Q1 cargo volume

Next Post

CNS 2019: PayCargo appoints new Americas president, CEO

Related Posts

Lufthansa Cargo revenue contribution leaps ahead with record result
Carriers

Lufthansa Cargo revenue contribution leaps ahead with record result

March 4, 2021
Dozens of cargo flights canceled at LAX as COVID-19 takes toll
Cargo Traffic

February airfreight rate volatility creates risky environment for forwarders

March 4, 2021
Kuehne + Nagel expands network with Jöbstl Group, Worldwide Perishable Canada acquisitions
Freight Forwarders

Modal shift from sea lifts Kuehne+Nagel air yield in Q4

March 3, 2021
Next Post
CNS 2019: PayCargo appoints new Americas president, CEO

CNS 2019: PayCargo appoints new Americas president, CEO

By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Current Issue Magazine Cover

FROM OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Automotive industry transformation and tariffs have long-term implications for airfreight

Consultant Insight: Brighter days may be ahead for automotive supply chain

February 26, 2021
UN recruits 40 airlines to deliver vaccine to poorest states

Air cargo expectations adjust to vaccine shipment requirements

February 23, 2021
Delta to launch BOM-JFK 777 service beginning Dec. 22

Consultant Insight: Post-pandemic airline survival depends on transformation

February 19, 2021

SPONSORED

Apex reduces retailer lead times and costs—increasing air charters by 225%

Apex reduces retailer lead times and costs, increasing air charters by 225%

January 29, 2021
Delta Cargo introduces priority COVID-19 vaccine handling

Delta Cargo introduces priority COVID-19 vaccine handling

December 31, 2020
Executive Q&A with Manu Jacobs, Director of Specialty Products, United Cargo

Executive Q&A with Manu Jacobs, Director of Specialty Products, United Cargo

December 17, 2020
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Privacy Terms
  • ADA Compliance
  • Advertise

Follow Us

twitter twitter linkedin podcast

© 2021 Royal Media & Air Cargo World

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • All News
    • Airports
    • Carriers
    • COVID-19 Vaccine Logistics
    • E-Commerce
    • Freight Forwarders
    • Technology
  • Data & Tools
  • Events
    • Cargo Airport Growth Summit
    • Cargo Facts Symposium
    • Cargo Facts EMEA
    • Cargo Facts Asia
  • Multimedia
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Subscribe
  • Log In / Account

© 2021 Royal Media & Air Cargo World

Go to mobile version