On Tuesday the 30th of November 2021, Avy - the Dutch pioneer in innovative autonomous and emission-free aircraft technology - “unveiled a new Aera of Aviation” with the launch of a new aircraft: the new Avy Aera, an improved fixed-wing VTOL drone that flies autonomously from it’s own docking station.
At the same time Avy launched the first Drone Response Network combining docking stations with autonomous aircraft that have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. The implementation of this network offers ‘drone coverage’ in a certain area, enabling instant deployment to support medical deliveries or emergency services during critical incidents. It’s fit for purpose and ready for roll-out, with first flights taking place in the first quarter of 2022. The Avy Drone Response network will be suitable for both urban and rural areas, delivering medicines, blood products, vaccines and other medical applications safer, twice as fast and more environmentally friendly than road transportation.
Orange Wings
Avy Founder Patrique Zaman explained in an online unveiling event that the new Avy Aera flies faster and further than a drone and is faster deployable than a plane. The aircraft is highly recognizable by its orange wings, a direct reference to business angel Shawn Harris' Orange Wings start-up investment fund, which helped Avy in the first 4 years since its inception.
The Avy Aera can carry a 3kg payload with 8L capacity in 25 knots, the wingspan is 2,4 meters. It’s equipes with a camera, a thermal camera and can carry medicine or blood at a constant temperature. It can fly 100km on one battery (capacity 1kWh) at a cruising speed of 90 km/h and the maximum take off weight is 19,5kg. Moreover, the aircraft is ready for year round operation in rain and winds. and is designed to meet EU drone regulations and UN standards for aerial transport of medical goods. It has a suite of redundant sensors and communication links on board, it is ready for increasingly complex operations.
Zaman started Avy only 5 years ago when he had the idea for a fixed-wing VTOL drone that flies autonomously. Avy received support from the European Union’s Horizon2020 programme which funds Avy’s vision of using innovation to future proof healthcare and emergency services. Avy's drones are deployed in Healthcare Logistics, Emergency Services, Last mile Medical Delivery and Urgent Logistics around the world.
The new Avy Aera and it’s docking station will be demonstrated during ADW Hybrid, from 29-31 March in RAI Amsterdam.
