DDC update on Canary cargo drone parachute testing
28 / 09 / 2022
Photo: Drone Delivery Canada
Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) has provided an update on the successful parachute testing and development of its Canary cargo drone which is designed to carry 4.5kg up to 21km.
Said DDC in a statement: “The Canary continues to progress on schedule with full autonomous missions and expanded flight envelope including the parachute validation testing.
“DDC’s Canary drone successfully passed the parachute safety system air-deployment test as well as the automated motor safety shut-off.
“Moreover, the team pushed the Canary up to 5,900ft above sea level (ASL) with full payload of 4.5kg to validate performance including the demonstration of its stability, fidelity and reliability.”
The team tested the drone for cold and hot weathers forcing it to perform at -35 degrees Celsius and +50 degrees Celsius.
Finally, the team flew the drone at a maximum range of 21km to ensure the validity of the drone’s range and payload capabilities.
DDC’s engineers have a drop test program to conduct and the completion of the parachute flight test program, following which DDC will submit its declaration to Transport Canada that will enable the Canary to fly over populated areas.
Said Steve Magirias, CEO of DDC: “The team has made incredible progress with the flight test program and validation to bring to market a drone to enable flights over people.
“A drone like the Canary, with a weight-class of under 55lbs (25kg), will bring new opportunities and use cases for the healthcare sector as well as the retail environment (residential deliveries at scale).
“Being able to address these vertical markets with our award-winning solution is part of our strategic roadmap and is expected to open underserved markets.”
DDC anticipates demand from existing customers to implement the Canary on new routes to optimize operations and augment serviceability.
The company is also working towards the further development of detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems, which are intended to facilitate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, reduce operational costs and provide a robust solution to meet the demands of prospective customers.
