Avy announces enhanced Aera drone and quick response solution
The Dutch drone manufacturer Avy has announced an improved version of the Aera drone, with a longer flight range and the ability to transport up to three kg of medical goods. In addition, Avy is launching the Drone Response Network, a solution that can quickly provide drone coverage in a specific region. According to Avy founder Patrique Zaman, there is a great need for new solutions when it comes to transport and logistics, and there is more than enough space in the air.
Aera 2.0
The Aera is a fixed-wing drone with the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. The first generation Aera was announced exactly two years ago and was then extensively tested by various partners, including ANWB Medical Air Assistance and Port of Rotterdam.
The new Aera has been improved on a number of fronts. For example, the drone can transport up to 3 kg of medical goods over a distance of 100 km. The maximum flight time is 90 minutes. The cruising speed is 90 km/h. In addition, the aircraft can fly in rain and wind up to 5 Bft. Thanks to redundant sensors and communication links, Avy is ready for the new European drone regulations and UN standards for air transport of medical goods.
Medical transport
One of the intended uses for the new Avy Aera is the delivery of medicines. To this end, the drone is equipped with a Medkit, a special medical refrigerator. This Medkit has a capacity of 4 liters and is equipped with a temperature sensor. This keeps medicines cool during transport, between 2-6 degrees, for at least 100 minutes.
“Avy’s new drone will make a substantial contribution to the 2023 goal of connecting hospitals and labs by air. The new Medkit ensures that we can transport medical supplies at the right temperature and for the first time we can also deploy drones in urban areas, the locations where many hospitals are located,” says Simon Prent, Drone Operations Manager ANWB MAA.
The Avy Aera can also be integrated with an infrared and RGB camera and can therefore be used for rapid detection of wildfires (for example in the Veluwe), people in distress at sea, oil leaks and for estimating accidents and incidents. In this way, emergency care can be deployed quickly, safely and effectively.
Drone Response Network
In addition to the improved Aera drone, Avy will also offer a drone box solution. By combining a number of docking stations, a so-called Drone Response Network is created. As a result, a larger area can be covered. In a scenario where two drone stations and two drones are strategically placed, the network can cover up to 1,000 km2, Avy says.
