Through a recently filed provisional application, Workhorse Group Inc. has expanded its patent portfolio, which further protects its HorseFly UAS, as well as several of the system's key components and capabilities including the ground control station, winch deliveries and aircraft structure.

Built to operate autonomously with a high degree of precision, the HorseFly UAS includes a safe, reliable, multi-use aircraft that can deliver parcels and carry sensors and cameras.

“In the last several months we have seen significant and growing interest in our vehicle-launched HorseFly delivery drone, making the need to expand the HorseFly patent portfolio even more critical,” says Workhorse CEO Duane Hughes.

“We feel strongly that all Workhorse electric delivery vehicles, with their integrated drone capabilities, are the most economical and efficient last mile option currently available, making our solutions a necessity now and for future critical applications.”

According to the Workhorse Group, the HorseFly was designed to deliver what represents approximately 80 percent of most commercial package sizes, shapes, and weights while safely carrying a five-pound payload up to 10 miles. Though real-world commercial deliveries, the UAS has been successfully demonstrated, flying autonomously from truck-top operations in U.S. airspace in a process that meets all FAA flight standards. 

Users can select different delivery methods such as air drops, winch deliveries from various altitudes, and ground deliveries, thanks to the aircraft’s flexible design. The drone’s quick-change battery system also effectively reduces ground time between missions. Additionally, the aircraft is especially reliable in the high-utilization, demanding markets of commercial and industrial users, as a result of its durable structure.  

With Horsefly’s mission planning software, operators can coordinate precise delivery routes, avoiding no-fly zones and hazardous weather. A customer interface is included in the planning system, which allows remote pilots to monitor missions from virtually anywhere, and provides pilots with notifications when their attention is required. This capability allows the system to adapt to most missions and needs of the customer.