Amazon's Prime Air Flight Science team has been hard at work developing the next-generation of delivery drone, and the end result is called the MK30.
For now, we are only being given a sneak peek at the new design, and it won't be making deliveries until 2024. However, the MK30 looks to be a vast improvement on the drones Amazon relies on today (the MK27-2).
The development team managed to create a drone that is smaller and lighter, while still capable of carrying packages that weigh under 5 pounds further than is currently possible. They also designed it to cope with a wider range of temperatures while being capable of flying in light rain, which should keep the deliveries flowing in changeable weather conditions.
Anyone worried about the constant buzz of drones flying overhead will be happy to hear Amazon created custom-designed propellers for this new model. It means the MK30 will have a perceived noise level 25% lower than the drones used today.
As to why we won't see the MK30 making deliveries until 2024, it's due to safety. Amazon is subjecting the new drone to "rigorous evaluation by national aerospace authorities," so the FAA will need to sign-off on the MK30 as being safe and reliable before it starts dropping off packages at our homes.