Pyka releases second crop-spraying aircraft
Pyka has released its second generation agricultural spray aircraft with prices starting at $550,000.
The Pelican 2 features a 300-litre payload and is capable of covering up to 90 hectares per hour.
Pyka has secured FAA authorisation for commercial operation of the aircraft nationwide in the US, and in doing so the Pelican 2 becomes the largest uncrewed aerial system (UAS) approved for commercial use in the country.
Pyka has also secured an order for 20 Pelican 2 aircraft in Brazil,
“We couldn’t be more excited to release Pelican 2,” said Michael Norcia, co-founder and CEO of Pyka. “With nearly five years of commercial operation under our belt, this aircraft exhibits the reliability, performance and ease of operation that growers demand. I have no doubt that the features and operating economics of this aircraft will revolutionise aerial application, delivering meaningful cost-savings and spray results for growers.”
Pelican 2 features include:
- Upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system
- Expanded 300-litre payload capacity
- Wider 18-meter swath width, supporting multiple spray boom configurations, including hydraulic nozzles and proprietary electric rotary atomisers
- Dynamic droplet size adjustment
- Five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets
- Advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying.
Volker Fabian, Chief Commercial Officer at Pyka said: “Through extensive real-world operations, we’ve perfected Pelican’s performance to exceed growers’ expectations. Spray quality, reliability, and seamless operation are at the core of this aircraft, and no other system on the market comes close.”
Pelican 2 will make its public debut at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from February 11th-13th.
