The next generation of U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles could include an all-electric truck capable of launching drones, the
Federal Times reported.
While the mail carrier is handling deliveries from the truck, the drone — dubbed HorseFly — would be piloted to distribute packages within a mile or two of the vehicle. The current version of HorseFly travels at about 35 mph and can carry packages weighing up to 10 pounds.
The drone has extendable cages which lock together while aloft. After dropping off a package, HorseFly would automatically dock atop the truck, designated by Workhorse, and recharge. The truck-drone combination is intended to make it possible for carriers to complete their routes in less time.
The drone proposal comes from the
Workhorse Group, a division of AMP Trucks, and has been developed in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati.
"We feel very confident that our integrated drone technology on top of our electric truck is the best solution for the Postal Service as well as give them the lowest total cost of ownership for their truck needs and their future drone needs," said Duane Hughes of the Workhorse Group.
University of Cincinnati engineering professor Kelly Cohen told the Times that the service would have to be implemented in phases. "The limitations are more on the side of integration into the air space and that concerns security and overall safety. How do we control 100,000 drones in the air flying at once?"
The Postal Service is in the market for up to 180,000 specialized vehicles meeting the latest low emission and mileage standards. The vehicles need to operate for 20 years and should be capable of carrying at least 1,500 pounds. The service expects to spend $25,000 to $35,000 per truck, the Times reported.
Requests for proposals will go out in May. Select bidders will then be asked to supply the service with a prototype. The agency plans to make a decision in January 2017 and procurement would begin in 2018.
Besides AMP, other companies bidding for the $4.5 billion contract include, Ford, AM General (known for the Hummer), Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Mahindra & Mahindra (an Indian firm), Daimler, defense contractor Oshkosh, Zap Jonway, and Emerald,
The Wall Street Journal reported.
The boxy rustproof aluminum frame trucks now in operation were custom built for the service by Grumman, now a subsidiary of Northrop. The chassis and engines are from General Motors, according to
Automotive News.