E-commerce
enterpriseTarget: Online Retailers
If you are an online retailer dealing with slow cross-border shipping — this project developed the Black Swan drone that enables international same-day deliveries for €5 or less.
Dronamics · Project
Long-Range Autonomous Cargo Drone Network for Low-Cost Middle-Mile Logistics
transportPilotedTRL 7
Imagine a giant remote-controlled plane that acts like a flying delivery truck for heavy packages. Instead of expensive flights from huge airports, these drones use tiny, cheap landing strips to move goods between cities. It's like creating a new shortcut in the sky for shipping that is faster than a truck and cheaper than a traditional plane.
By the numbers
350 kg
Payload capacity
2,500 km
Flight range
50-90%
Cost reduction compared to alternatives
40-70%
CO2 emissions reduction
€5
Target delivery cost
4,000+
Planned drones with partners
The business problem
What needed solving
Current air cargo is expensive, slow, and carbon-heavy, while ground transport is too slow for urgent cross-border needs. There is a gap in 'middle-mile' logistics for regions with limited infrastructure.
The solution
What was built
A large cargo UAV called the Black Swan and a network of standardized, low-cost droneports.
Audience
Who needs this
Global logistics providersPharmaceutical supply chain managersCross-border e-commerce platformsRegional airport operators
Business applications
Who can put this to work
Pharmaceuticals
mid-sizeTarget: Medical Supply Distributors
If you are a medical distributor dealing with urgent shipments to remote areas — this project developed a system capable of carrying 350 kg over 2,500 km to reach underserved communities.
Logistics
enterpriseTarget: Freight Forwarders
If you are a freight forwarder dealing with high carbon emissions and costs — this project developed a cargo UAV system that is 50-90% cheaper than alternatives with 40-70% lower CO2 emissions.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
How much does the delivery cost and what are the savings?
The system enables international same-day deliveries for €5 or less and is 50-90% cheaper than existing transport alternatives.
Can this be scaled to a large industrial level?
Yes, the project is partnering with DHL and Hellman for a fleet of 4,000+ drones and targets 3,000+ airstrips in the EU.
What is the intellectual property or licensing status?
Based on available project data, the project developed a proprietary drone fleet and a validated droneport model, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
What regulatory hurdles have been addressed?
The project achieved regulatory authorisations for long-range UAV operations within Europe and integrated operations into civil aviation frameworks.
When will the system be available for use?
The objective stated the creation of the new market for drone-based middle-mile delivery as early as 2023.
Consortium
Who built it
The consortium is highly lean and industry-focused, consisting of 2 SMEs from Bulgaria and Ireland. With a 100% industry ratio and no university or research institute partners, the project is designed for rapid commercialization and direct market entry rather than academic study.
How to reach the team
Contact DRONAMICS LTD in Bulgaria for fleet partnership opportunities.
Next steps
Talk to the team behind this work.
Contact us to explore integration of autonomous middle-mile logistics into your supply chain.
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