Deutsche Post testing drone in Germany that could be used to deliver urgently needed goods to hard-to-reach places; pilotless helicopter capable of carrying up to 6.6 pounds

Cindy Allen

FRANKFURT , December 9, 2013 (Associated Press) – Deutsche Post says drones could be used for urgently needed medicines or hard-to-reach places

Germany's express delivery and mail company Deutsche Post DHL is testing a drone that could be used to deliver urgently needed goods to hard-to-reach places.

The small pilotless helicopter was to fly a package of medicine Monday from a pharmacy in the town of Bonn to the company's headquarters on the other side of the Rhine River. The aircraft can carry up to 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds).

Company spokesman Thomas Kutsch says the flights all this week are strictly a research project to see if the technology works and there are no plans yet to start actual drone deliveries. The test flights required permission from local aviation authorities.

On-line retailer Amazon is also working on a drone to deliver goods to customers despite legal obstacles in the U.S.