Drone Delivery Canada successfully tests several critical aspects of its Robin XL UAS

November 19, 2020 | AUVSI News

Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) has announced that it has successfully tested numerous critical aspects of the Robin XL drone at its ‘Tranquility Base’ test range. Aspects that were tested include the communications system; the navigational guidance system; the autopilot system; take-off and landing performance; general flight stability and performance; multiple velocity vectors and altitude profiles; sound pressure levels; and battery consumption characteristics. 

All flight tests were conducted in accordance with the approvals provided by Transport Canada. DDC notes that pursuant to proposed Transport Canada regulations, the Robin XL would not require a formal aircraft type-certification when operated in specific lower-risk (rural and remote) locations, as is intended.

Once DDC has completed testing, commercialization in support of COVID-19 related activities and remote area deliveries would begin for 2021 projects. Flight approvals would be requested through Transport Canada following the Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) process that DDC has successfully used in the past.

“We are very pleased with the ongoing successful testing of our Robin XL delivery drone. The Sparrow, Robin XL and Condor all have unique commercial use-case applications based on range and payload capabilities, and we are excited to have the Condor and Robin XL models coming to market soon,” says Michael Zahra, president & CEO of DDC.

“Robin XL & Condor pre-selling efforts are underway and market response has been very favorable in Canada and internationally, and we are working on a number of specific prospective opportunities for both.”

Currently DDC’s mid-size drone, the Robin XL has an expected range of 37 miles and a payload capacity of 25 pounds. An electric, combination VTOL/fixed-wing drone, the Robin XL includes an advanced, integrated parachute system that is expected to mitigate its risk profile and potentially allow for flight over people in the future, which would open up more potential use cases. 

Cargo is stored safely and securely inside the drone, with temperature control capabilities. The Robin XL is designed to work with DDC’s proprietary and patented DroneSpot depot system, automated battery management system and FLYTE software system.

Future versions of the Robin XL are expected to feature DDC’s innovated touchless cargo drop functionality. The multi-mission Robin XL can carry specialized camera/video systems as well as specialized sensors, which further extends its use cases into additional commercial, industrial, government and military markets, beyond traditional cargo delivery.