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

91

Max flight distance achieved

77 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

3 kg

Maximum flight speed

130 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

Ashley Greve
agreve@usaid.gov

Other Partners

Wingcopter, Chemonics

Payload

Diagnostic samples, routine and emergency medications, reports and correspondence

Geographic Scope

Nkhata Bay District Hospital to 2 Health Centers in/around Lake Malawi

Funding Source

USAID

Drone Technology

Drone Supplier

Wingcopter

Model Name

178 Heavy Lift

Method of Flight

VTOL fixed wing

Propulsion

Electric motor

Power Source

Battery

Payload Capacity

6.0 kg
178 x 132 x 52 cm

Maximum flight time with full payload in still air

22.5 minutes

Radio Links

LTE (3G/4G) and Satcom

Delivery method

Landing

Role

Delivery & collection

Are major repairs possible on-site?

No, must be sent out or materials sent in