Avy launches response network for VTOL fixed-wing drones

The Avy Aera departs from its docking station within minutes, shortening response times and reducing costs for first responders. (Photo: Avy)

Dutch company Avy has launched its Drone Response Network, combining docking stations with autonomous aircraft that have vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.

The network offers drone coverage in a certain area, enabling instant deployment to support medical deliveries or emergency services during critical incidents.

First flights are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2022.

The network uses the Avy Aera autonomous drone that can carry up to 3 kg of medical goods over a distance of 100 km. It can operate year round, in rain and winds up to 45 kph, and is designed to meet the latest European Union drone regulations and United Nation requirements for aerial transport of medical goods.

For medical delivery, the drone is equipped with Aera’s Medkit, which has a four-liter capacity and is fitted with sensors for immediate assessment. Medical products remain cooled at 2-6 degrees for at least 100 minutes in an ambient temperature of up to 40° C.

The Avy Drone Response network is suitable for both urban and rural areas, delivering medicines, blood products, vaccines and other medical applications safer and twice as fast as road transportation, and is more environmentally friendly. It is expected to make a substantial contribution to achieving the goal of connecting hospitals and laboratories by air by 2023.

The Avy Aera can also be integrated with a high zoom RGB and thermal camera system and used to quickly detect wildfires, spot people in distress at sea, monitor oil spills and assess the situation on the ground.