Jürgen Gerdes, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL's Post, eCommerce Parcel Division said "Our DHL parcelcopter 2.0 is already one of the safest and most reliable flight systems in its class that meets the requirements needed to fulfill such a mission. We are proud that this additional service can create added value for the residents of and visitors to the island of Juist and are pleased with the support we have received from the involved communities and agencies." 

The technical innovations of the DHL parcelcopter include extended flight duration and range. The flight route to the island of Juist is roughly 7.5 miles. The flight will be completely automated for the first time. This means that a pilot does not have to take any action at all during any phase of the flight. 

For safety reasons and in compliance with the requirements set by the responsible agencies, the DHL parcelcopter will be constantly monitored during the flight by a mobile ground station in Norddeich so that manual action can be immediately taken in real time if a malfunction or emergency occurs. The ground station will also maintain constant contact with air traffic controllers. 

To ensure that the DHL parcelcopter operates reliable, flys safely and always lands at the right location, an autopilot with automated takeoff and landing functions was developed. This system is robust and reliable, and has been extensively tested. At an altitude of 164 feet, the parcelcopter can travel up to 60 feet per second depending on wind speed. 

It will primarily transport medications from the mainland to the island of Juist at certain times during the week and on weekends. This delivery option will focus on times when such alternatives as ferries and flights are not available. The parcelcopter will take off from the harbor in Norddeich. 

It will land at a launch pad and landing field on the island of Juist reserved specifically for the parcelcopter. From there, a DHL courier will then deliver the goods to the recipient. To optimally secure the goods during transport, DHL Parcel developed a special air-transport container that is extremely lightweight as well as weather- and waterproof. 

The medications for the transport can be ordered from the research project's collaboration partner on Juist, Seehund pharmacy. Once the project takes off, vacationers and island residents can find out more about how they can place orders. 

"With the DHL parcelcopter, an unmanned aircraft operating outside the controller's field of vision will perform deliveries for the first time in a real-world mission. Without the extremely high level of willingness to innovate and to find solutions exhibited by the involved agencies, communities and the Wattenmeer administrative unit of Lower Saxony, such a project would not be possible," Jürgen Gerdes emphasized.