What will Amazon’s drone delivery look like?

SEATTLE — In a new video, Amazon.com is previewing what it calls the future of retail.



Amazon demonstrates a new drone model which will allow delivery of certain items within 30 minutes or less. The drone rises vertically like a helicopter to an altitude of almost 400 feet, and then can fly like a plane for a distance of about 15 miles.



To ensure safety, the drone uses sense and avoid technology to detect and move away from potential obstacles and hazards in flight. When preparing to land, the drone scans the landing area for hazards and then lands vertically. The demonstration model is said to be just one in a “family” of drones that will be specifically designed for different types of deliveries and environments.