Its “unmanned electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing cargo air vehicle” (CAV) was designed and built by engineers within three months and successfully completed initial flight tests at Boeing’s research lab in Missouri, the company said.
Powered by an electric propulsion system, the CAV prototype has eight counter rotating blades, which allow it to lift up to 225kgs of cargo. It measures 4.57m long, 5.49m wide, 1.22 metres tall and weighs 339kgs.
The prototype could revolutionise logistics and delivery services, said Steve Nordlund, vice president of Boeing HorizonX — the unit that developed CAV.
“Our new prototype presents new possibilities for autonomous cargo delivery, logistics and other transportation applications,” he said. “The safe integration of unmanned aerial systems is vital to unlocking their full potential. Boeing has an unmatched track record, regulatory know-how and systematic approach to deliver solutions that will shape the future of autonomous flight.”
