The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a patent for the HorseFly Truck Launched Drone Package Delivery System, according to American technology company Workhorse Group Inc.

The HorseFly UAS Delivery System, which is a “custom-built, high efficiency” delivery UAS, is fully integrated with the Workhorse line of electric/hybrid delivery trucks, and it meets FAA guidelines for UAS operations in the United States.

“We feel that the patented HorseFly truck launched drone package delivery system is the first major change to the last mile delivery process since the invention of the package delivery truck. Drivers appreciate the fact that the HorseFly system is fast, reliable, and efficient,” says Steve Burns, Workhorse CEO.

“Last mile package delivery is changing, and the HorseFly delivery system is leading the way.”

Being that it is fully integrated with Workhorse’s delivery trucks, the HorseFly system is designed to allow a driver or driver's assistant to maintain line-of-sight operation of the UAS delivery process.

Ultimately, the HorseFly UAS delivery system helps reduce driving time and allows for faster deliveries, resulting in significantly more efficiency in everyday delivery routes.

The patented HorseFly truck-launched UAS delivery system works as follows: “1) the truck delivery driver loads the package and launches the HorseFly drone, 2) the HorseFly drone autonomously launches from the roof of the delivery truck, proceeding to the delivery location, 3) at the delivery location the drone automatically descends and delivers the package, and 4) the HorseFly drone returns to the delivery truck at a planned stop and autonomously redocks and recharges for its next delivery.”

“We feel that package delivery by drone is here,” Burns says. “Soon your package may come to your home by HorseFly!”