[Page 2] UAV roundup 5/22: The latest in unmanned aerial vehicle news

Editor's note: This blog is continued from page one.

Postal service drone

The US Postal Service has narrowed down a list of companies bidding to build the next generation of delivery vehicles, one of which is an all-electric truck that launches UAVs that deliver packages.

The company, Workhorse Group Inc. has developed an electronic delivery truck called "Workhorse," while the drone that carries packages is called "Horsefly." The project is the product of a years-long partnership between the company and the University of Cincinnati, which has a UAV research program.

"We feel very confident that our integrated drone technology on top of our electric truck is the best solution for the Postal Service as well as give them the lowest total cost of ownership for their truck needs and their future drone needs," said Duane Hughes, director of sales at Workhorse Group, Inc.

Learn more about this project here.

Red Cross study: UAVs can save lives

The American Red Cross and Measure, a 32 Advisors consulting firm, released a 52-page study that highlights extensive field research and industry input highlighting the humanitarian, safety, and economic benefits of using UAVs to help first responders and improve disaster relief efforts.

The study explores the benefits of using drones in emergency situations and deployment models, including recommended platforms, payloads and software. Partners on the study include IBM Smarter Cities, United Parcel Service, USAA, Boeing/Insitu and Lockheed Martin.

“Drones provide significant benefits to first responders, enabling them to expedite disaster relief efforts,” said Measure President Justin P. Oberman. “We have a unique opportunity for companies and government to save lives and rebuild communities by using drone technology. Drones can be effective and efficient tools for humanitarian purposes; we need the right blueprint in place to help realize the potential of drones as a tool for good.”

Learn more about this study here.

Additional Section 333 exemptions and top 100 drone websites list

When we first began writing these UAV roundups, it made sense to list the individuals and organizations that were receiving Section 333 exemptions to operate UAVs in the U.S. national airspace. Now, however, the list is growing too large, and listing them all out would be too cumbersome a task. I will note, however, that since the time of our last round up, well over 100 more exemptions have been granted. Some of the missions/operations the UAVs will be used in include UAV training, aerial photography/imaging, precision agriculture, real estate imaging, surveying, research, and filming for television and movies.

Check out the latest Section 333 exemptions here.

Additionally, UAV Coach has published a list of the top 100 websites that are dedicated specifically to UAVs/drones, according to Alexa ranking. So if you are interested in checking out some of the top news sites dedicated to UAVs, check out the list here.

Image via AUVSI, via ShadowView.

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