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Amazon files patent for flying warehouses

Click to play video: 'Amazon files patent papers for massive delivery blimp'
Amazon files patent papers for massive delivery blimp
Patent filings made by tech giant Amazon details plans for what the company calls an airborne fulfillment center, such as an airship or blimp, stocked with products that would float at about 17,000 metres. – Dec 30, 2016

Amazon.com has filed for a patent to use airships to store products and serve as a base for delivery-drones.

The patent application was filed two years ago but was spotted only on Wednesday by Zoe Leavitt, an analyst at technology data and research firm CB Insights.

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According to the patent filing, drones launched from the so-called “airborne fulfillment centers” (AFCs) would use far less power than those launched from the ground.

The AFCs would hover at about 45,000 feet (13,700 metres) and be restocked and resupplied by “shuttles or smaller airships.”

Amazon, which was not immediately available for comment, has laid out plans to start using drones for deliveries next year.

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