Starling Cargo Source: SAMAD Aerospace

Source: SAMAD Aerospace

Samad Aerospace has started the certification process for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTol) Starling Cargo drone that will target the high-value cargo sector.

The remotely-controlled aircraft will be able to carry up to 50 kg of cargo, has a cruising speed of 95 mph, flight ceiling of 10,000 ft and a range of up to 135 miles.

Samad said that a number of industry sectors that need to transport high-value cargo had expressed an interest in the drone, including oil and gas corporations, gemstone mining companies, medical logistics and emergency response companies.

"The Starling Cargo aircraft can be utilised for delivering humanitarian critical cargo of desperately needed food, medicine and equipment to often remote regions of the world with underdeveloped or damaged local infrastructure," the company said.

The aerospace firm hopes that it will begin delivering the aircraft to customers in the fourth quarter of next year.