Matternet’s M2 drone has been approved to start Durability and Reliability (D&R) testing. This is one of the final steps to achieve type certification to fly in the USA. Matternet, a developer of the world’s leading urban drone logistics platform, announced this major milestone in the FAA’s Type Certification (TC) process for Unmanned Aircraft Systems earlier in the week.
Achieving TC will mean that the Matternet M2 system has been deemed airworthy by the FAA and is eligible to be used by commercial air carriers. “We are moving efficiently through the certification process,” said CEO Andreas Raptopoulos. “The Matternet M2 has been purpose-built for its mission of urban medical delivery, combining solid engineering, years of flight experience, and the safety and security required for medical logistics.”
With a few exceptions, only certified aircraft can be used in Part 135 operations, such as UPS Flight Forward. Matternet has been a partner of UPS since March 2019 and in October, its technology enabled the first Standard Part 135 drone airline UPS Flight Forward. Once TC has been achieved, the company and UPS will be able to scale operations at a faster pace.
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