FlyingBasket recently introduced the FB3, a pioneering heavy cargo drone ready for commercial use which can operate in different environments, lifting varied loads to the tops of buildings and transporting cargoes for distances over 10km boasting an an impressive 100-kilogram payload capacity.
FlyingBasket achieved a significant milestone, the successful execution of the first shore-to-island and shore-to-ship delivery trials in coordination with all the relevant authorities. These trials were conducted as part of the “DronesBeyond23” event by Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale (DTA), underlining the versatility and efficiency of the FB3 heavy-lift drone, a testament to the company’s seven-year journey in pioneering aerial logistics. These demonstrations showcased the capabilities of the FB3 heavy-lift drone, and its carrying payloads, and emphasised the drone’s potential to enhance safety by reducing the risks to crews that traditionally operate ships and helicopters for such deliveries.
On October 18, 2023, at the Taranto port area, the FB3 drone flew a mission that seems to have sprung from the future: a 25kg payload was carried over 6.4km from Punta Rondinella to the Island of San Pietro, the whole operation from take-off to landing took about 5 minutes. In coordination with the Italian Navy, Marina Sud, Porto di Taranto, and the Coast Guard, the FB3 drone demonstrated a significant leap in operational safety and efficiency, reducing the risk for crews traditionally using small boats or helicopters. The drone completed its round-trip journey in approximately five minutes without needing to land, thanks to its innovative sling configuration.
Further showcasing its capacity, a second trial at the Marina Militare naval base saw the FB3 drone delivering a similar payload (25 kg) to a boat 4km offshore. The FB3 delivered the payload without the need for landing, and once the detachment was completed, it returned to the helipad from which it started the mission, showing how effectively and swiftly ships can be resupplied without docking, a move that could revolutionize supply chain logistics for the maritime industry.
Moritz Moroder, CEO of FlyingBasket, has previously highlighted the FB3’s commercial readiness, boasting its 100kg payload capacity and versatility in serving various sectors. Now, these trials reinforce the drone’s practicality and the broad scope of its application, stretching from urban to maritime environments. The FB3 has demonstrated its prowess in a real-world setting, illustrating the potential for heavy-lift cargo drones to transform the logistics landscape.
The successful trials at “DronesBeyond23” represent forward momentum for FlyingBasket and the wider drone industry. The company has proven the FB3’s capabilities in one of the busiest maritime environments and under challenging sea conditions. This advances the drone’s use cases beyond traditional expectations, setting a new standard for what aerial delivery systems can achieve.
The endeavours of FlyingBasket point toward a future where drone technology can enhance connectivity and service delivery for remote communities, businesses, and various industries, unlocking new growth avenues. This innovation promises not only enhanced worker safety but also significant improvements in operational efficiency. With the FB3 drone, FlyingBasket is charting a course for a future where logistical barriers are overcome with the push of a button, heralding an era of unprecedented aerial innovation.
