Amazon Expands Drone Delivery Service to UK
Amazon has expanded its Prime Air drone delivery service outside of the United States for the first time. The company is currently offering drone deliveries from a large fulfillment center in Darlington, England, which started operations in February.
The MK30 drone used by Amazon can reach speeds of 70 mph and delivers packages within 60 minutes or less of an order being placed. Prime Air allows customers to choose the delivery option during checkout if they have a garden, yard, or driveway within a 7.5-mile radius of the fulfillment center.
The drone's onboard perception system can detect and avoid obstacles that may not be captured in satellite imagery. Amazon engineers spent two years building the MK30 and conducted over 5,100 flight tests totaling more than 900 hours to ensure its safety.