Drone trials could slash delivery time of urgent medical supplies

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Over five hours could be cut from the delivery of urgent medical equipment if a two-week drone trial is successful.

Thales and Skyports are partnering on the drone delivery trial for the NHS in Scotland to support the UK’s COVID-19 response.

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The aim of the trial, backed by Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is to prove the delivery of urgent medical cargo, such as COVID-19 test kits and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), between remote medical facilities by delivery drone.

UK drone delivery provider Skyports will conduct the trial and operate the flights using delivery drones supplied by Wingcopter. These trial flights will be planned through SOARIZON, which is Thales’ drone operations management platform.

“This trial demonstrates the positive role that unmanned technology can play in our society and represents a landmark step to accelerate its adoption,” Alex Cresswell, CEO of Thales UK said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with industry partners, regulators and government to establish the UK as a world leader in this exciting new industry.”

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