What kind of tests has Israel conducted?
Israel has recently conducted tests of autonomous drones. These drones can carry passengers and goods. These tests are part of a government project called the Israel National Drone Initiative (INDI). The INDI project was started in 2019 to create a complete nationwide drone network.
The project aims to use drones as taxis to transport people and heavy cargo between different locations. This will help reduce traffic congestion on Israel's busiest roads. Several companies participated in the recent tests.
How many drone companies took part in this test?
Last week, 11 companies tested their drones. This is the second part of the experiment that started in January 2023. One of the drones tested was the Israeli-made AIR ZERO. This drone can carry up to two people and a total cargo of up to 220 kilogrammes (kgs). It can carry them over a distance of up to 160 kilometres.
During testing, the companies will fly their drones all over the country for one week each month. They will do these test flights in regulated airspace and cover distances of up to 150 kilometres.
INDI is also helping make new routes for drones in the sky.
Why are drone aerial routes being developed?
Aerial routes are being made so that drones can fly safely alongside manned aeroplanes without accidents. This is important in Israel because it is a small country with lots of planes going in and out. Israel also has a strong air force that uses planes and helicopters for training and active duty.
The aerial path will let different kinds of drones fly together. These drones will be used for different things like healthcare, business, security, passenger transportation, etc. INDI has joined forces with the Israeli Air Force, Israel Airports Authority Ltd., and local governments to create these aerial routes.
Soon, we might see citizens of Israel travelling to different places using flying taxis.
Are drones used in India?
Some Indian companies have used drones to deliver things. Tata 1mg started a drone delivery service in Dehradun to quickly deliver medicines by air. In 2021, Telangana became the first Indian state to use drones to deliver medicines to remote places.
Drones will also be used in Bengaluru to deliver crucial items, such as organs or medical equipment. It seems like drones will be used for home deliveries in India in the future.
