Aevum's Innovative Approach to Unified Logistics

Currently, logistics and delivery services are largely divided between terrestrial and space-based operations. Established companies such as Amazon and FedEx are focused on refining ground, air, and drone transport. Simultaneously, newer companies like SpaceX are concentrating on advancements in space launch technology.

Bridging the Gap: Ravn X

Aevum, an autonomous transportation startup, aims to seamlessly integrate both realms of logistics. The company has recently been granted a patent that will facilitate flexible transitions between space launches to low Earth orbit and air/drone deliveries on Earth.

The Ravn X Unmanned Aircraft System

At the heart of Aevum’s strategy is its unmanned aircraft system, known as Ravn X. Previously, Aevum has primarily discussed Ravn X in relation to space launch capabilities.

Ravn X operates by utilizing conventional jet fuel for takeoff from a standard airport runway. However, it uniquely incorporates a rocket within its structure, which is deployed at high altitude to deliver payloads into space. Following second-stage separation, Ravn X returns to Earth using conventional landing procedures, preparing for subsequent missions.

Modular Design and Versatile Capabilities

The newly issued Aevum patent, dated May 4th, details a novel modular payload design integrated into the drone’s belly. This system allows for the rapid exchange of the rocket payload module with either a cargo bay for global deliveries or a drone module capable of carrying up to 264 smaller drones for last-mile delivery services.

In theory, a single Ravn X could depart from an airport, deliver a payload to space, return for reloading with cargo, and then resume operations for terrestrial deliveries.

Payload Capacity

The carrying capacity of Ravn X varies depending on the flight distance. It can transport up to 15,000 lbs for air cargo and up to 330 lbs for space delivery payloads. While the rockets are currently expendable, Aevum is actively developing plans for full reusability across all space launch and air cargo operations.

A New Business Model for Logistics

Aevum intends to operate autonomous transportation and logistics as a service, while also forging partnerships with existing logistics providers. This presents an opportunity to collaborate with major players who have historically been excluded from space deliveries due to the self-contained approach of companies like SpaceX.

Jay Skylus, Aevum’s CEO, stated, “We aim to enable FedEx, Amazon, UPS, DHL and others to build upon the logistics infrastructure they have already mastered.” He further suggested that these companies could either partner with Aevum or acquire a fleet of Ravn X aircraft to incorporate space launch capabilities into their service offerings.

Expanding Delivery Options

Furthermore, companies facing challenges in establishing drone delivery services could leverage the Ravn X’s drone module to deploy drones over centralized locations, such as city centers, for efficient last-mile deliveries.

“The patent is so significant because what the patent allows you to do is say — the existing FedEx and UPS logistics architecture that’s sorting 70,000 packages an hour right now could not service the needs of defense and space because fundamentally that logistics infrastructure was designed to go from Earth to Earth and not Earth to space,” Skylus explained.

“But if you really look at the problem and study it in detail, you know the missing link to allow this existing infrastructure to now be able to service the space domain — that missing link is what we just patented.”

Maximizing Asset Utilization

Skylus envisions Ravn X fleets operating continuously. “In my company, what matters is asset utilization. For any reusable flying machine, it doesn’t generate revenue on the ground. My machines will fly around the clock, every day,” he emphasized.

Future Development and Certification

Despite the progress, Aevum still has milestones to achieve before operational flights commence. Ravn X is currently undergoing ground testing and is scheduled to begin flight testing this year at an FAA-approved unmanned aircraft systems testing facility.

Aevum plans to participate in the United States Air Force’s ASLON-45 mission this fall and anticipates launching its air cargo service next year.

Regulatory Compliance

Given the diverse capabilities of Ravn X, the company will need to obtain several FAA certifications. These include a license from the FAA Commercial Space Transportation office for space launches, as well as FAA aircraft type and standard airworthiness certifications for cargo operations.

“What we’ve patented is the next layer and large batch of connections in the global logistics infrastructure,” Skylus concluded. “Space logistics shouldn’t be separated from logistics that already exist.”