Wing Explains Why They Ditched Parachutes for Drone Deliveries

Google’s Wing, a drone delivery startup, dropped a new video explaining why they chose not to use parachutes for their delivery drones. The company highlighted reliability issues and loss of control as key reasons.

Parachute Problems

Wing evaluated several methods for emergency landings, including parachutes. They found parachutes to be heavy and often unreliable. When a parachute deploys, the drone loses control, leading to unpredictable landings. Even in light wind, the drone could be blown off course, causing more issues.

Controlled Landings

Due to these challenges, Wing decided to develop a highly reliable hover system for controlled landings. This system allows the drone to maintain control and land safely without the risks associated with parachutes.

Wing’s Experience

Wing’s experience with parachutes showed that sometimes they would deploy accidentally, causing the drone to lose control. This reinforced their decision to avoid parachutes and focus on a more dependable landing system.

DroneXL’s Take

Wing’s move to ditch parachutes in favor of a controlled hover system makes sense. It shows their commitment to safety and reliability in drone deliveries. By addressing the shortcomings of parachutes, Wing is setting a new standard in the drone delivery industry, ensuring packages reach their destinations safely and efficiently.