Amazon is working on the so-called Prime Air unmanned aircraft project in its research and development labs.

Online retailing giant Amazon wants permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to test speedy delivery drones outside in the Seattle area.

Amazon wants an exemption from FAA rules that say businesses can test drones only indoors, saying it needs to conduct research flights for its experimental and not-yet-functioning delivery system, Amazon Prime Air, in the outdoors.

The company said in a letter to the FAA it has been experimenting indoors with aerial vehicles that can reach speeds of 50 mph and deliver 5-pound packages to customers in 30 minutes or less.

Amazon said it wants to be subject to the same regulation as hobbyists and manufacturers of model aircraft, groups that are allowed to fly outdoors.