February 19, 2019
I have been following Drone Delivery Canada FLT periodically since they IPO'd, but didn't really notice until about a year ago. Definitely, an interesting speculative play: Drones for delivery.
How neat is that? With any small company that is building their way you need to understand many steps and obstacles can take it down, things like funding, development/technical issues, commercialization, sales, and even to making actual revenues.
Today I attended a portion of the big reveal of FLT's fourth and largest, fastest, and furthest flying drone: The Condor. I had a chance to speak with some FLT management and even touch the three drones they had on location. The Condor looks impressive to say the least. FLT team was very friendly and eager to answer questions, which helped satiate enough of my curiosities. There was a mix of people, most appearing to be professionals and and a handful of general investors. By the time I left it was getting more busy. They did provide an investor package that notes "Strictly Private & Confidential" so I am not certain what can be pulled from that; though reading over the package it is a well presented summation of official releases.
Again, one needs to keep in mind the background of this pioneering company. However, based on what I saw and heard FLT gets the mind thinking; should I buy more than my small speculative position?
In any case; here are some notes that I took at the event. Disappointment first: No, they did NOT fly the drone as a demonstration. :)
Condor (200km @ 120km/hr, 180kg) 1 year out from testing? (This unveiling is saying they have a prototype ready, but they still need to jump through the hoops to get to testing and then later commercial use.)
Sparrow (20-30km @ 36km/hr, 4.4kg) is ready for commercial use later in 2019. Others like Falcon (60km @ 50km/hr, 23kg) and Robin (60-70km @ 50km/hr, 10kg) are respectively ready for testing and for beginning its compliance process.
Moose Cree First Nation (Moosonee to Moose Factory)
- 2km distance is short, but as an example of human transport (not FLT) a helicopter ride for a few people is $1,900 one way. The crossing of water bodies between the two places is difficult especially during the thaw.
- Current transport is subsidised by the Federal government and Feds are looking to reduce costs.
- Hundreds of similar communities that can be served.
How does Amazon compare?
- Door to door is very difficult and regulators do not like as the drone blades could cut dogs, kids, etc.
- If you used FLT's drone blades that spin much faster and the new Condor's heli blades would be catastrophic.
- FLT uses dedicated landing pads.
Technology
- Brains of the system same for all their drones. The module could be installed on other craft beyond their own.
- The module records all inputs such as temperature of fuel etc.
- Communication is via multiple methods such as Satellite, Private RF, Cellular, etc - the system will switch as necessary.
- The cheapest method based on the remote location would be satellite.
- No cameras due to privacy issues and bandwidth and cost issues. (Does this mean in the future? Potentials always with having eyes).
- System has automated responses for emergency/special situations such as losing signal.
- Traffic controllers can also take over the drone and manage 50 drones.
- Flyte Software package for the Traffic Controllers are sort of what you would see with airports.
- Demo is a video playback.
- Multi-monitor touchscreen interface.
- You can see where the drone is and other planes.
- Regulators to approve drone usage require flight data and with drones there is not enough data yet. Compared to the the long history of manned flights.
- Regulators love the system though as they can pull all data at all times. "When was the drone flying near an Air Canada flight?"
Condor
- Can be adapted to the weather conditions, which are very rough up in the area.
- Load configuration can be fitted for auto pallets vs the model needing manual loading.
- Fibreglass construction with some carbon fibre woven in?
Noted: this is a prototype. They were careful with the side-cargo door to not let it swing all the way open.
Add on
- Someone? noted there's some work on replacing falcons with drones for keeping birds away? Paul was interested in connecting with them because of Edmonton airport's willingness to work with drones/technology.
- They are not intending on human flight. Too many certifications/regulations.
