Wiltshire is fast becoming the centre for Military Drone technology and development for this country and beyond. Our intrepid investigative reporter Avril Babulus has uncovered a secret project, a spin-off from classified military technology of systems being developed in Swindon (yes, Swindon is rapidly becoming one of the acknowledged world centres of Drone tech) and tested nearby on Salisbury Plain. This confidential project is harnessing our local Wiltshire Drone cutting-edge expertise for us all, the residents of Marlborough, Swindon and beyond.
This concept was triggered by the news that Mobility Scooters were (probably) going to get a top speed limit of 20mph. The ‘Times’ even ran a piece about it recently. What this would mean for pedestrians on the pavements of the High Street doesn’t bear thinking about. Nor even the pavements of Westminster and Whitehall where such decisions will inevitably be made.
Whilst conventional ‘normal’ speed scooters are accepted, welcomed and have become a valuable part of all our lives, the likelihood of these new ‘High Speed’ scooters is causing some concerns.
But innovative Marlborough ‘AfA’ (Air for All) Ltd have taken some of the ideas, designs and high-tech gizmos of the several Swindon Drone experts and created a design for a ‘Mobility Drone’, which would ‘put Granny or Grandad in the air’ and keep any aspiring elderly speedster away from the pavements and streets where with the new ‘High Speed’ scooters we would otherwise all walk, cycle, or drive in fear…. These Mobility Drones are due to be unveiled to the world very soon, on the morning of 1 April.
Because of the ‘Mobility’ considerations licensing and qualification will be addressed at a different level compared to that for normal aviation. This category of flying device will harness real cutting-edge ‘Self Fly’ technology, partly adapted from the fast-arriving ‘self driving’ auto technology. Every Drone will have a ‘get me home’ button and a rider/aviator will also be able to plan routes and programme in precise destinations. Popping down to the Jubilee Centre might mean an automatic hands-free landing in Priory Gardens. Like in most handheld drones nowadays there will be a ‘collision avoidance’ system built in as well which will mean that chimney pots, Church towers (such as St Peter’s and St Mary’s), flagpoles (like that on the Town Hall) will be avoided, even if the elderly aviator has dropped off for a nap.
There is a proposal that all of Marlborough’s Retirement complexes will now have to include a landing / take-off zone and also feature a small hanger as well as a series of charging points so that these Mobility Drones will be ready for use at a moments notice.
We further understand that one of the major developers of such retirement complexes has been in discussion with both the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and AfA Ltd about offering Mobility Drones to all residents of their complexes as part of ‘the package’.
If these Mobility Drones do take off, we will all feel much safer when wandering along the High Street, outside TG Jones, Waitrose or even the White Horse bookshop as the chance of being mowed down by a high speed pavement scooter will be much reduced.
Whilst these Drones haven’t yet flown with a ‘normal driver/pilot’ in the seat, AfA are very confident and already there have been secret test flights using ‘dummy aviators’. No crashes so far and our intrepid reporter even managed to hijack details of one test flight and take a pic of a prototype Mobility Drone cruising past St Peter’s (see pic above).
What could this mean for Marlborough? Crowded airspace, but wonderfully safe and clear pavements. Wiltshire Council haven’t yet responded to any questions regarding parking……..
James Blake at the Memorial Hall, presented by Sound Knowledge
