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

Country

Malawi

Year Flights Began

2019

Contact Organization

USAID

Evidence Generated

Total # of successful flights

379

# of Months of Sustained Flights

4

Average # of Flights Per Month Carrying Payload

94

Average Flight Distance Achieved

45 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

Average Payload Carried per Flight

1.5 kg

Average Flight Speed

115 km/h

Estimated Population Served By Flight Operations

23,000

Duration of flight permission

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

Results measured

  • Operational costs
  • Supply chain performance
  • Operations and financing models
  • Health outcomes or impact

References to Findings

Related Project Phases

Implementation Details

Status of Project

Completed

Contact Person

Ashley Greve
agreve@usaid.gov

Other Partners

SwoopAero, Chemonics

Payload

Diagnostic samples, routine and emergency vaccines and medications, blood, small medical instruments, reports and correspondence

Geographic Scope

Nkhata Bay District Hospital to 7 Health Centers in/around Lake Malawi

Funding Source

USAID, UNICEF

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