Brazilian regulator green lights Rotor for commercial operations

The National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) has confirmed that Rotor’s unmanned variant of the Robinson R44 helicopter can be operated commercially in the country.

Specifically, it means Rotor’s UAV, known as the R550 Sprayhawk, has been deemed compliant with ANAC’s Special Regulation for Unmanned Aircraft of Civilian Use.

“ANAC’s support for advanced unmanned aircraft like the Sprayhawk reinforces its role as an innovative and visionary regulatory agency,” said Rotor CEO Hector Xu. “Unmanned and autonomous technology will keep pilots safe while stimulating Brazil’s innovation ecosystem, promoting job creation, and strengthening its agricultural industry.”

The permission applies to the commercial application of agrochemicals, adjuvants, fertilisers, inoculants, correctives and seeds over uninhabited areas.

All flights will be operated under visual line-of-sight (VLOS) or extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS) conditions, with an operational ceiling of up to 400ft (120m). Operations will also initially be conducted with a remote safety pilot who must have a commercial pilot license and complete Rotor’s factory training.

The Sprayhawk has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,500 lbs and a spray capacity of over 110 gallons, allowing it to cover more than 200 acres per hour at lower per acre cost than smaller UAVs or comparable manned platforms, according to Rotor.

ANAC is the first regulatory body globally to allow commercial operations for the aircraft. Rotor is also seeking FAA approval for commercial agricultural operations in the US through exceptions, similar to those granted for other agricultural UAVs such as the DJI Agras T50.

The Sprayhawk will initially be offered as an aftermarket retrofit kit, enabling manned Robinson R44 helicopters to be converted by certain Robinson service centres. There are approximately 400 R44s currently operating in Brazil. Rotor and Robinson are also working together to deliver new R550 aircraft to serve the Brazilian market.

Robinson Helicopter Company president and CEO David Smith said: “Robinson Helicopter Company’s established dealer network gains a significant opportunity to expand agricultural business in Brazil through the marketing and distribution of the Sprayhawk. The combination of the Robinson R44 platform’s low operating costs and Rotor Technologies’ remote-piloted technology offers a compelling alternative to fixed-wing aircraft or small drones.”