The first “drone port” for both citizen and commercial use is to be built in Rwanda, Africa. The Civil Aviation Authority of Rwanda is outlining regulations on the unmanned flying vehicles, and it hopes that they will be finalized before the end of 2016, when construction begins. British architect Norman Foster assumes that the port is scheduled to be established by 2020. As its nickname “land of a thousand hills” indicates, Rwanda is notorious for having transportation difficulties. So, Foster + Partners, an architectural firm in England, drew up plans to build three port buildings for drones, which will carry medical supplies for emergencies and other commodities, by air. It is expected that the flying carriers will be able to geographically cover about half of the country. The port will use special drones with 3-m wingspans that can fly around 100 km and hold packages up to 10 kg. Larger, stronger drones may be in operation by 2025. Related facilities, such as health clinics, a drone production center, and a post office, will be near the drone port. Jonathan Ledgard, director of Afrotech, described the plan as a way “to improve health and economic outcomes in Africa - and beyond.”
Tony Jang Staff Reporter (tonyjang@timescore.co.kr)
The first “drone port” for both citizen and commercial use is to be built in Rwanda, Africa. The Civil Aviation Authority of Rwanda is outlining regulations on the unmanned flying vehicles, and it hopes that they will be finalized before the end of 2016, when construction begins. British architect Norman Foster assumes that the port is scheduled to be established by 2020.
The port will use special drones with 3-m wingspans that can fly around 100 km and hold packages up to 10 kg. Larger, stronger drones may be in operation by 2025. Related facilities, such as health clinics, a drone production center, and a post office, will be near the drone port.