DHL tests drones to deliver goods

The small pilotless helicopter was to fly a package of medicine from a pharmacy in the town of Bonn to the company's headquarters on the other side of the Rhine River.

The small pilotless helicopter was to fly a package of medicine from a pharmacy in the town of Bonn to the company's headquarters on the other side of the Rhine River.

Published Dec 10, 2013

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Frankfurt - Germany's express delivery and mail company Deutsche Post DHL is testing a drone that could be used to deliver urgently needed goods to hard-to-reach places.

The small pilotless helicopter was to fly a package of medicine on Monday from a pharmacy in the town of Bonn to the company's headquarters on the other side of the Rhine River. The aircraft can carry up to 3 kilograms.

Company spokesperson Thomas Kutsch says the flights all this week are strictly a research project to see if the technology works and there are no plans yet to start actual drone deliveries.

The test flights required permission from local aviation authorities.

On-line retailer Amazon is also working on a drone to deliver goods to customers despite legal obstacles in the US. - Sapa-AP

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