First Delivery Drone Granted Design Approval by U.S. Regulators

U.S. aviation regulators have given design approval to the first drone built specifically for package deliveries, a major step forward for the fledgling industry.

Matternet Inc.’s Model M2, a four-rotor copter capable of carrying a four-pound package, is considered safe and reliable, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement Sept. 7. Signing off on drone designs is one of the major hurdles required before the devices can operate routinely.

“It is an important milestone in the FAA’s support for the development of innovative drone technology,” the FAA said in the release, and to “make these operations safe and routine.”