In times of natural disaster there is often only so much that the government can do to prepare it’s citizens. The United States Of America has seen it fair share of devastating natural disasters recently. From hurricanes ravaging Florida and Texas, to the wildfires scorching California, the government is now looking for ways to better help victims in the wake of these unpredictable situations. One tool in particular that is showing great promise is the use of drones in emergency relief efforts.

Under the helm of the US Pentagon, the Defense Logistics Agency has begun researching the feasibility of using drones on a full scale “to provide disaster relief support on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States.” And for good reason too.

It is no secret that drones can access areas quickly and easily that may be blocked by traditional vehicles. They are also extremely cost efficient. Both key factors when it comes to providing emergency relief. So the Pentagon wants to test just how effective drones can be in delivering the most basic, yet crucial, emergency items- food and water. But one of the big differences with this test is that rather than using up ridiculous amounts of money to contract drone construction, the Pentagon is now looking to use off the shelf drones.

There are of course certain requirements that first need to be met. For example, the drone must be able to support a payload of 250-500 pounds. The drones must also be able to have the payload mechanically affixed to it’s body and mechanically release the payload without causing any damage. The drone needs to be able to work within a 20 mile radius, including being accessible to both land and water deployment and landings. The drone needs to be able to be operated from beyond a visual. Being able to maneuver under extreme weather conditions is also imperative. Not to mention all safety parameter need to be met as well.

Testing of drones is set to take place in Jew Jersey at the US military’s Warren Grove Gunnery Range. On hand to help with the demonstrations will be experts from the New Jersey Innovation Institute at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The goal is to have military based relief options that are practical on multiple levels. The operations first of all need to work, but they also have to be quick, safe, and cost effective. With this in place the hope is to not only help with domestic disaster relief, but foreign as well in the near future.