Amazon Drone Delivery Retreat, FCC Opens 800 MHz, and DJI's 25-Second Battery Swap

Amazon has withdrawn its application for a drone delivery launch site in Westborough, Massachusetts, following intense community opposition. In UAV News Talk #458, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof examine what the decision means for the growth of commercial drone delivery—and why Amazon could still return with a revised proposal.

The hosts also discuss an FCC rule change allowing drones to operate in 50 MHz of licensed 800 MHz cellular spectrum, and Ericsson's new Integrated Sensing and Communication system, which uses existing 5G network infrastructure to detect and track drones. Small commercial sensing pilots are expected in 2027.

Battery endurance is another major focus. Reach Power reports a 10-hour autonomous quadcopter demonstration using electronically steered wireless power beams, while DJI's Dock 4 promises fully automated battery swaps in 25 seconds. ParaZero introduces TillOnAIR, an autonomous counter-UAS system that captures threatening drones with nets.

In electric aviation news, photos reveal a possible full-scale demonstrator of COMAC's 19-seat CE-25A, and Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies fly together across Tampa Bay in support of Florida's advanced air mobility program.

The Video of the Week features remarkable drone footage of more than ten killer whales near Dana Point, California.