Matternet drone system first to be type certified by FAA

Matternet’s M2 drone has achieved type certification by the FAA, becoming the first non-military unmanned aircraft to achieve type certification in the US. The completion of the four-year evaluation by the FAA proves the safety and reliability of the M2 aircraft, said Matternet.

Andreas Raptopoulos, founder and CEO, Matternet said: “We are incredibly proud that Matternet M2 has met the very rigorous safety standards of the FAA and is the first drone delivery system to be Type Certified in the United States. Drone delivery will revolutionise healthcare and e-commerce in the US. We’ve been at the forefront of this revolution since launching US operations in 2019 — we are now ready for scale.”

For four years, a select number of UAS, including the Matternet M2, have been operating under Part 135, using an exemption while the systems are evaluated. With a type certification, implementing new networks and getting approvals will create a more “predictable regulatory process”.

Also, air carrier operating licenses such as Part 135 on-demand transportation can only use type certified aircraft.

Jim O’Sullivan, vice president, Regulatory Strategy, Matternet said: “This is a victory for not only Matternet, but for the whole UAS industry as it indicates a maturing of the industry and a shift away from exemptions and waivers towards more standard regulation. Matternet would like to thank the FAA, as well as our advisors at End State Solutions.”