Bell made headlines last month when the technology company’s Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) 70, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, successfully performed its first fully autonomous flight test at Bell’s Fort Worth proving ground.

The milestone is not only a huge achievement for Bell but also a major step forward in the world of logistics – both militarily and commercially – as APT’s capabilities include faster and more efficient package delivery, humanitarian aid and rescue operations, just to name a few. In fact, APT is capable of twice the speed and range of a conventional multirotor, reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour while carrying a baseline payload of 70 pounds – up to 35 miles per trip. What’s the secret behind the 315-pound aircraft’s speed? It lies in the way APT flies, switching from vertical to horizontal orientation as it transitions from vertical lift to forward flight. Additionally, the vehicle’s innovative design allows for rapid deployment, quick reconfiguration, and nimble battery swaps and recharges.

Bell is in collaboration with Yamato, a Japanese third-party logistics provider, to integrate Yamato’s package handling system into APT 70, with a goal of providing a next-generation customer experience for on-demand logistics services. Last month’s flight test was conducted in partnership with Yamato, allowing both companies to showcase their systems working together in preparation for entry into service, which is anticipated for launch by the early-2020s.

For more news on the latest eVTOL technology and other advancements in vertical lift, visit our brand-new website at www.VerticalCentury.com.