An Israeli company has successfully developed an autonomous drone that can carry two passengers, specially designed for the battlefield. It is designed to serve as an ambulance, serving areas that are not accessible to helicopters.
The drone, called the AirMule, is powered by a single engine and an internal rotor drone, is capable of airlifting as much as 992 pounds (450 kg) in weight within a distance of 31 miles. Its maker - Tactical Robotics - has recently secured clearance from the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority to proceed with its first maiden flight. The test run was conducted at the Megiddo airfield before the end of 2015, according to The Guardian report.
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"We initiated and carried out a rigorous examination process with the Israeli CAA in order to get authorisation for untethered flight testing," Tactical Robotics told Wired UK. "All in all, we expect that in 2016 we will finally be able to demonstrate some of AirMule's unique capabilities."
The AirMule is not the first drone to carry human passengers. Several days ago, a Chinese company unveiled the eHang 184, an autonomous drone that can be used as an air taxi, HNGN reported. The AirMule, however, is said to have been under development for at least a decade. Its maiden flight has also been delayed for several months. Nonetheless, its utility is considered critical, particularly in extracting wounded soldiers from the battlefield. It can navigate mountains, woodlands and even urban areas. It is also capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
