Please read the following summary of a news article regarding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs) and provide a thoughtful response and whether you agree or disagree.

 

"For this edition of current events I thought I'd talk about how a somewhat local company to my region is making headway in the payload capacity of UAS platforms. Phenix Solutions in McMinville, OR has been working with the US Air Force for the last 4 years on getting patents and MAWR's (Military Air Worthiness Release).

 

The Ultra 2XL will carry a payload of 1,500 lbs and a range of up to 300 nautical miles. Depending on the class of drone you operate will determine the payload that your platform can handle efficiently. Mini and hobby drones have a payload capacity of about 2-5 lbs and professional drones can currently top out with a payload of 500 lbs (The Griff 300).

 

If Fenix Solutions really can successfully make a platform that could become extremely useful to a wide range of industries outside of military applications. For example, the US forest service utilize a water transfer device called a "bambi bucket" that can carry 75-1200 gallons. If the Ultra 2XL has a MGWR of 1,500 lbs then it could become an additional tool to aid in controlling or putting out wildfires. Most rotary wing assets utilized in forest fires fly patterns between 5-50 miles between drops meaning that the Ultra 2XL could make 5-50 drops between refueling.

 

Obviously there are many more applications for this system and we could take an in depth look at all of them but until the FAA certification process, patents and any other of the very numerous legality or research and testing processes it'd be a little pointless."