The FAA approval means UPSFF can fly Matternet M2 drones without Visual Observers to monitor airspace and will use ground-based RADAR to scan the skies for potential air traffic conflicts and alert a remote pilot in command.
Matternet says ground-based RADARs are a scalable approach to BVLOS operations when used to cover a wide area and the cost of infrastructure is shared across multiple users.
Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet, says, “We are thrilled by this approval from the FAA and know this will play a significant role in the scaling of drone delivery services throughout the United States. We are excited to continue our partnership with UPSFF to grow our services and enable drone delivery at scale. This is another step in our journey to make drone delivery a common part of everyday life.”
UPSFF will use the Matternet Mission Control software in their Remote Operations Center to control up to 3 aircraft per pilot, which will allow for centralised control of multiple aircraft by 1 pilot.
Jim O’Sullivan, Vice President of Regulatory Strategy and Special Projects at Matternet, says, “We have always known drone delivery companies can solve numerous challenges. This approval will advance the regulatory framework in a way that encourages wider drone adoption throughout the world.”