Amazon has been showing off the latest version of its Prime Air delivery drone, a hybrid design capable of vertical takeoff and landing as well as sustained forward flight. 

This will be able to travel 15 miles to carry packages weighing 5lbs (2.3kg) or less. “When we announced earlier this year that we were evolving our Prime two-day shipping offer in the US to a one-day programme, the response was terrific. But we know customers are always looking for something better, more convenient, and there may be times when one-day delivery may not be the right choice.,” says Jeff Wilke, CEO at Amazon Worldwide Consumer, in a blog post.

“Can we deliver packages to customers even faster? We think the answer is yes, and one way we’re pursuing that goal is by pioneering autonomous drone technology.”

Plans are afoot to launch a delivery service using the drone in “the coming months,” although Amazon has yet to give location details or disclose how many customers would be involved. However, the US Federal Aviation Administration told the BBC it had granted Amazon a permit in the US. 

"The FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate to Amazon Prime Air allowing the company to operate its MK27 unmanned aircraft for research and development and crew training in authorised flight areas," the regulator said.

"Amazon Prime Air plans to use the aircraft to establish a package delivery operation in the United States. This certificate is valid for one year and is eligible for renewal."

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