RDST Longtail 2.0 Expands the Capabilities of Commercial Drone Delivery
A2Z Drone Delivery, Inc. has announced the release of the second-generation RDST Longtail, an upgraded cargo drone designed specifically for professional delivery operations. The redesigned platform builds on the company’s integrated winch-based delivery system, allowing payloads to be lowered safely from altitude without requiring landing or direct human interaction.
The updated RDST Longtail is offered in two configurations: a Standard model optimized for everyday fair-weather missions, and a Premium model engineered for extended range and operation in rainy conditions. Both versions are delivered as off-the-shelf, ready-to-fly UAVs for logistics providers and drone service operators.
Designed for Safer, More Flexible Deliveries
At the core of the RDST Longtail is A2Z’s factory-integrated RDS2 delivery winch, which enables packages to be deposited while the drone remains well above people, vehicles, and structures. This approach reduces safety risks associated with spinning propellers, lowers noise impact, and minimizes privacy concerns often raised with low-altitude drone flights.
Unlike many delivery platforms, the RDST Longtail does not require proprietary payload containers. Operators can transport and automatically release standard boxes or bags provided by shippers, even when no recipient is present at the drop-off location.
Performance and Use Cases
The RDST Longtail is capable of carrying payloads up to 5 kilograms and performing delivery or retrieval missions at distances of up to 11 kilometers with payload, depending on configuration. With a large cargo bay supporting a wide range of package shapes and sizes, the platform is suited for diverse applications, including:
- Local parcel and food delivery
- Medical and emergency supply transport
- Offshore logistics and infrastructure support
- Environmental sampling and inspection
- Search and rescue operations
The airframe complies with the FAA 55-pound maximum takeoff weight requirement and includes a factory-installed Remote ID beacon for regulatory compliance.
Two Configurations for Different Mission Profiles
The RDST Longtail Standard is built for routine delivery missions in clear weather, offering up to 20 km of maximum range with a lightweight nylon exterior and standard GPS positioning.
The RDST Longtail Premium extends capability further, featuring a rain-resistant glass fiber shell, RTK positioning for centimeter-level accuracy, a higher-capacity battery, and a quick-release battery system that minimizes downtime between flights. This version achieves a maximum range of 26 km and supports operations in moderate rain.
Operator-Friendly Control and Expansion Options
Both variants integrate seamlessly with the A2Z Ground Control Station, combining flight control, winch operation, and telemetry into a single interface. Automated delivery missions can be executed without landing, streamlining workflows for high-frequency operations.
Optional upgrades allow operators to tailor the platform to specific requirements, including dual LTE connectivity, parachute recovery systems, and additional auto-release hooks for different payload types.
Field-Tested and Market-Ready
According to A2Z Drone Delivery, earlier RDST Longtail prototypes have already accumulated hundreds of flight hours performing residential deliveries, providing real-world validation of the design. Many of the enhancements in the second-generation model reflect feedback from operators deploying drones in demanding environments.
By focusing on safety, flexibility, and rapid deployment, the RDST Longtail positions itself as a practical solution for organizations seeking to scale drone-based logistics without complex customization or infrastructure changes.
The RDST Longtail Standard is priced starting at $20,000, while the Premium edition begins at $27,000, making both models accessible entry points into commercial drone delivery operations.
