Vayu Drones

Product Description

The Vayu drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle used to transport patient test samples and vaccines between remote hard-to-reach areas and nearby hospitals. It can be also be used for disaster relief, such as after an earthquake, to reach populations in inaccessible places.

Market Suggested Retail Price

$30,000.00

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Online through Vayu website

Manufacturing/Building Method

Unknown

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

Drones are directly sourced from Vayu offices or through their website.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Design Specifications

The drone is designed to carry a load of up to 23 kg and fly over a distance of up to 60 kilometers. It uses the hybrid UAV technology comprised of helicopter-style propellers attached to static plane-like wings allowing it to take off and land vertically. The drone rises and touches down in helicopter fashion allowing it to reach places not serviced by a runway. The Vayu drone is capable of landing in parking lots, roofs and other flat surfaces. It is operated through a smartphone and is GPS-guided along predefined designated routes.

Technical Support

Provided by manufacturer

Replacement Components

Batteries

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The Vayu website states that the company was "founded with a particular mission around addressing the challenges of last-mile healthcare delivery for the poorest populations on earth, and along the way we are discovering other uses for this technology."

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

The drone is trackable using the Iridium satellite network with two- way communication enhancing real-time change to flight paths for safety purposes.
The payload container is integrated in the vehicle’s fuselage, with a built-in handle & lock, the latch mechanism secures the container in flight.
The paths are predefined to meet the safety standards and avoid accidents.

Complementary Technical Systems

The drone comes with access to Iridium satellite network to enable two- way communication to enable tracking and making real-time change to flight paths.

Academic Research and References

Martini T., Weaver A., Van Vuuren T., 2016, The Humanitarian Use of Drones as an Emerging Technology for Emerging Needs, T.M.C. Asser Press, The Hague, Chap. 7

K. A., Lori J. S., Daniel P., Dana P. H., Jeff S., 2015, Can Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) Be Used for the Routine Transport of Chemistry, Hematology, and Coagulation Laboratory Specimens?, Plos One.

Würbel H., 2017, Framework for the evaluation of cost-effectiveness of drone use for the last-mile delivery of vaccines, Universitat de Barcelona

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Vayu is partnering with various health organizations, funding agencies and relief supply agencies to improve access to health facilities in the remote, hard to reach areas and disaster stricken areas.