The online sales giant Amazon has filed an application with the US aeronautical authorities to carry out testing of its delivery drones. Hence, confirming its unusual project ‘Prime Air’ for delivery within 30 minutes.
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The company calls for an exemption from FAA regulations in both the public interest and as a necessary step for the development of the Amazon Prime Air service, announced in December 2013 by CEO Jeff Bezos. He had announced that the service will be most probably launched in 2015. However, the launching of this service would require the permission from FAA, as well as, development of a highly automated aircraft that would be able to fly more than 80 km/h carrying up to 2.2 kg of goods. Furthermore, many questions related to the safety and practical implementation of the service also need to be addressed beforehand.
Amazon intends to carry out test flights in its labs near Seattle (Washington state located in the north-west of the country) as well as on sites approved by the FAA. Amazon is hopeful of one day it would be a normal sight to see Amazon Prime Air drones in the skies.