Google is working on a system of commercial drones that can work together to deliver products from one place to another.
The development and test for such drones begain in 2013. The prototype, called Project Wing, was used to carry supplies of dog food, cattle vaccines, treats and candies to two farmers from Queensland, Australia. The test flight was completed this month.
The drone, which has a wingspan of five feet, has four propellers that can assume different positions during the flight's various stages. The packages that the drones carry will be stored in the middle portion of the wing.
Stories of the Google drone began circulating in 2011. According to the Wall Street Journal, the tech giant thought it will "take years to develop a service with multiple vehicles flying multiple deliveries per day."
The company expects that the drones will soon be able to fly on routes as high as 130 to 200 feet. Precise control of the vehicle is needed in order to reduce its noise, especially when flying over residential areas.
Google's attempt to develop its drone advanced despite the U.S. government's opposition to the idea of using commercial drones. However, the Federal Aviation Administration asserted in July that it may review its policies and allow the first flight of a commercial drone. Moreover, the agency added that it will study the issue to ensure that the drones' presence will not raise serious concerns over civilian privacy.
Google tapped the expertise of Nick Roy, an associate professor of astronautics and aeronautic from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for the development of the commercial drone. Roy joined the Project Wing team in July 2012. He has returned to the university this month but has been replaced by aviation expert Dave Vos. Vos will work on streamlining the prototype of the commercial drone.
