Phase 0 Technology Demonstration
Phase 1 Safety & Feasibility Testing
Phase 2 Measuring Effectiveness
Phase 3 Expanding Impact

Country

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Year Flights Began

2019

Contact Organization

VillageReach

Evidence Generated

Total # of successful flights

50

Max flight distance achieved

40.5 km

Type of flight permission secured

  • No permission required
  • VLoS
  • BVLos
  • Other – see full data set

Location of Flight Permission

  • Site specific permission
  • Broad geographic permission
  • Other – see full data set

Level of stakeholder engagement

  • No engagement needed
  • Engagement of regulatory bodies only
  • Stakeholders at landing and takeoff sites oriented
  • Community outreach campaign targeting takeoff and landing site and wider community

Max payload carried per flight

1.4 kg

Maximum flight speed

115 km/h

Duration of flight permission

  • One-time
  • Limited duration
  • Unlimited duration
  • Other - see full data set

Results measured

  • Surveillance image
  • Benefits not evaluated
  • Transportation time
  • Product quality
  • Costs
  • Health worker impact
  • Environmental impact
  • Other – see full data set
  • Results not measured
  • Contact organization for more details

References to Findings

Related Project Phases

Implementation Details

Status of Project

Completed

Contact Person

Olivier Defawe
olivier.defawe@villagereach.org

Other Partners

DRC Ministry of Health, WeRobotics, Cyclops Air

Payload

Vaccines, syringes, essential medicines, diagnostic samples

Geographic Scope

Mbandaka, Equateur, to and from Widjifake health center

Funding Source

GAVI

Drone Technology

Drone Supplier

Swoop Aero

Model Name

Kookaburra

Method of Flight

VTOL fixed wing

Propulsion

Electric motor

Power Source

Battery

Payload Capacity

3.0 kg
19 x 12 x 9 cm

Maximum flight time with full payload in still air

60 minutes

Radio Links

Satcom

Delivery method

Landing

Role

Delivery & collection

Are major repairs possible on-site?

Yes, with 3D printer