Bell is proud to play a role in the first North Texas UAS package delivery, and this demonstration showcases the future application of the APT 70 as a logistics carrier
3 February 2021: In a significant milestone towards commercial capability of unmanned aircraft system, Hillwood and Bell Textron successfully demonstrated a point-to-point UAV package delivery in North Texas. Bell’s Autonomous Pod Transport flew across the Alliance Texas Mobility Innovation Zone and delivered a package to landing area.
Ross Perot, Jr., chairman of Hillwood said, “Together, we are carving a path forward for future commercial operations to solve the supply chain challenges our world currently faces. This moves the needle closer to connecting logistics operations directly to consumers.”
The APT reached a maximum altitude of 300 feet above ground level. The APT is the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) family of vehicles Bell is developing and can reach speeds of more than 100 miles per hour and has a baseline payload capability of 70 pounds, recently demonstrating carrying payloads over 100 pounds. Bell’s APT systems allow for flexible mission capabilities while keeping operations simple, efficient and fast. It is capable of twice the speed and range of a conventional multirotor, and the vehicle is designed for rapid deployment, quick reconfiguration, and nimble battery swap and recharge.
“Bell is proud to play a role in the first North Texas UAS package delivery, and this demonstration showcases the future application of the APT 70 as a logistics carrier,” said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO of Bell. “Testing at the MIZ showcases how Bell’s autonomous vehicles could seamlessly integrate into logistics operations and unlock new opportunities for businesses.”
Data collected during the demonstration will be used to support future standards development and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification guidelines.
Bell and Hillwood have joined forces with the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition (TRTC), a public-private partnership focused on advancing mobility innovation within the western portion of North Texas.
