Google gets go-head to test delivery drones in the US

Google has been given the go-head in the US by the Federal Aviation Authority to start testing delivery drones, following news last week that Amazon had struck a deal with the UK government to test its Prime Air drone.

Google’s parent Alphabet has been given permission for its “X” research division to test drones weighing less than 25kg in designated areas as part of its Project Wing.

Under plans revealed by the White House, Project Wing will carry out tests at six approved test ranges. The drones will be fitted with radio transponders to alert other aircraft to their whereabouts to make testing safer.

Project Wing’s drones are able to fly at up to 60mph and use a large wing to create lift (with a wingspan of 5ft), as opposed to the helicopter technology employed by Amazon.

The Amazon Prime Air Drone

Amazon struck a deal last week with Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority to test its drones, which it says can carry parcels up to 2.3kg for deliveries within 30 minutes. In tests its drones will fly up to 10 miles at a height of 400ft with one operator controlling multiple drones.

It is believed that small parcel delivery by drone may become a reality by as early as next year.