The University of Maryland Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site and the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health recently completed the first successful delivery of simulated medical cargo using an UAS.

Using a Talon 120LE fixed wing aircraft, which weighed 22 pounds at takeoff and can fly for more than two hours, the aircraft flew 12 miles, launching from Lusby, Maryland and landing in Cambridge, Maryland.

“This is a major achievement for our test site and for the University of Maryland,” said Darryll J. Pines, Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. “What this flight demonstrates is the incredible potential that UAS have in assisting first responders in emergencies. As more of these aircraft enter the skies, demonstrations of their use in service to humanity will grow substantially.”

Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Shore Regional Health Dr. William Huffner, added, “Through this partnership with the University of Maryland Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site, Shore Regional Health was able to explore new ways of providing access to medical care to rural areas of the eastern shore. Being on the forefront of innovation and technology will help Shore Regional Health continue to be the region’s leader in patient centered health care.”

According to Matthew Scassero, the Director of the UMD UAS Test Site, the Talon 120LE was chosen because of its “payload capacity, stability and reliability.” Scassero also emphasized the importance of using unmanned systems going forward in the future.

“Using UAS for cargo will allow them to operate in tandem with manned aircraft to work together for these types of humanitarian missions and others, such as search and rescue,” he said.

Video of the flight can be seen here.

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