Winning Partnership: VoloDrone & DB Schenker Open up New Logistics Era in 2022

February 22, 2022|

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Partnering with DB Schenker on our delivery VoloDrone is set to revolutionize logistics. Read on to find out how.

The VoloDrone in a nutshell

If you haven’t already heard about all the benefits of our VoloDrone, then you’ll want to keep reading. What is it? Well, it’s essentially our heavy-lift delivery solution. It’s uncrewed, fully electric, and can carry a payload of up to 200 kg. Impressed yet? If not, then consider that our VoloDrone can swoop in at the precise moment when classic transportation systems reach their limits.

In addition to its unrivaled payload, the aircraft boasts a range of up to 40 kilometers, meaning multiple metropolitan delivery runs will be all in a day’s work. And did we mention that it’s emission-free in flight and quiet as a mouse? Check out the video below to see it in action.

From retail to spare parts deliveries, in its cargo bay configuration the VoloDrone can transport parcels safely, efficiently, and precisely when you need them.

So just who partnered with us as we created this airborne marvel to achieve such an applause-worthy success?

DB Schenker: a seasoned pro

Here at Volocopter it’s always been important to us to team up with the very best, and our collaboration with DB Schenker, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, is no exception. Two years after our initial flight with the VoloDrone prototype in late 2019, the new and improved VoloDrone once again took to the skies. But this time it was flying high for the ITS World Congress 2021, with the northern German port city of Hamburg providing a resplendent backdrop to celebrate this milestone achievement. The achievement we’re referring to, of course, is the aircraft’s first-ever public flight – after completing many non-public test flights – conducted in partnership with DB Schenker.

So, how did it all begin? Back in 2020, Volocopter’s team of highly experienced and innovative aerospace engineers joined forces with DB Schenker’s logistics experts to compile a static proof of concept (PoC), which produced the blueprint for the integration of the VoloDrone into existing supply chain networks. The demonstration in Hamburg then gave the PoC wings, showcasing the fruits of the dynamic duo’s labors. And what a show it was!

Hamburg: playing host

Hamburg was a defining moment in our evolution and the place where we presented our concept for adapting existing logistics supply chains. Our joint end-to-end cargo demo illustrated how the VoloDrone will be seamlessly integrated into these supply chains, as the culmination of our solid partnership with DB Schenker.

And the test flight itself? The aircraft took off smoothly and flew for three minutes, cruising at an altitude of 22 meters before coming in for a safe landing to deliver its cargo to a visibly satisfied customer. And that’s just the tip of the logistics iceberg.

Revolutionizing logistics

In fact, our stalwart VoloDrone is poised to change the face of getting cargo from A to B, supplementing the current land and sea routes with an overhead alternative. Not only will this shore up existing processes, making them more stable, efficient, and sustainable, DB Schenker’s involvement will also help us to unlock its full application potential. This stands to benefit the entire logistics industry worldwide.

And the good news just keeps on coming! Our VoloDrones will also be able to supply hard-to-access mountain areas, offer shore-to-ship services, and deliver to many other recipients besides. The possibilities are almost infinite.

Are you already thinking about how the VoloDrone can serve your key operations?