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$16M Deal Aims to Increase Healthcare Access in Rural U.S. via Medical Drone Deliveries

Last August, German drone manufacturer Wingcopter announced a strategic partnership with Spright, an Air Methods subsidiary that aims to create a drone-based medical delivery network across the United States. Now, the two strengthen that partnership with a new agreement worth $16 million, aiming to increase healthcare access across rural and underserved communities via instant drone delivery of medical supplies.
Spright uses Wingcopter 198 drone for medical deliveries 9 photos
Photo: Wingcopter
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Under the newly signed agreement, Spright will acquire a large fleet of Wingcopter’s flagship delivery drones, called the Wingcopter 198. By signing the contract, Spright made Wingcopter the only eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) drone provider for its U.S. operations. At the same time, Spright also agrees to be the exclusive provider of MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) for the German-made drone to third parties in the country.

While Spright is only working with the Hutchinson Regional Health System in Kansas for now, it plans to gradually expand its service beyond that area throughout 2022.

Wingcopter’s drones will mainly operate in rural, underserved communities, delivering within minutes supplies such as medication, vaccines, blood, and lab samples between medical facilities. The entire operation will be a clean, sustainable one, meant to reduce the medical industry’s carbon footprint.

Commenting on the new agreement, Wingcopter CEO Tom Plummer stated that the multi-million-dollar contract is clear proof that its 198 drone has a perfect product-market fit. The eVTOL boasts a triple-drop system that makes the aircraft capable of delivering up to three separate packages to multiple locations, as long as the total weight doesn’t exceed 5 kg (11 lb.) per single flight.

With a 198-cm (78”) wingspan and capable of flying at altitudes of up to 5,000 m (16,400 ft), the Wingcopter 198 can reach a top speed of 144 kph (90 mph) and can fly up to 75 km (46 miles) with a payload of 11 lb. With just 2.2 lb (1 kg) to carry, that range increases to 95 km (almost 60 miles) on a single charge.

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About the author: Cristina Mircea
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Cristina’s always found writing more comfortable to do than speaking, which is why she chose print over broadcast media in college. When she’s not typing, she also loves riding non-motorized two-wheelers, going on hikes with her dog, and rocking her electric guitars.
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