Why do drones utilise reduced water rates for spraying?​

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      The use of lower water rates plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of drone-               based spraying operations. In general, our drones can achieve the same results with               only 25% of the water rate typically used by helicopter operators. This efficiency can be         attributed to several factors:

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• Enhanced Penetration: Our drones feature nozzles positioned directly beneath the propellers. This setup allows the air pushed downward to support the drone's flight to directly penetrate the targeted crop or weeds.

• Specialized Spraying Design: Our drones are purpose-built for spraying tasks, ensuring a consistently uniform spray pattern.

• Low Spray Release Height: Our drones can spray at much closer proximity to the ground, facilitating precise application.

• Uniform Droplet Size: The atomizers on our drones release droplets of a highly uniform size.

• Accurate Spray Pattern: Smaller swath and reduced interference from blades enable us to deliver spray with exceptional accuracy.

• Minimal Spray Drift: Flying closer to the ground and experiencing less blade interference results in minimal spray drift, ensuring that the spray goes precisely where intended.

 

​What is drone spraying/spreading, and how does it work?​

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• Drone spraying/spreading is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with specialized equipment to apply pesticides, fertilizers, or other agricultural inputs to crops. Drones work by flying over fields and releasing the required substances through nozzles or spreaders.

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What are the advantages of using drones for spraying/spreading in agriculture?

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• Using drones for spraying/spreading offers several benefits, including:

  • Increased efficiency of application.

  • Reduced labor and operational costs.

  • Precision application, minimising waste.

  • Improved access to challenging or remote areas.

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What types of payloads can drones carry for spraying/spreading?

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• Our drone can carry 40L for spraying chemical or 70L of granules for dry materials, and it even has weight sensors for real-time monitoring and data collection

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Are there any regulations governing drone spraying/spreading operations?

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• Yes, Civil Aviation Authority regulations in New Zealand require us to have Part 102 Certificate and an agricultural rating. Typically, drone operators must adhere to aviation regulations, obtain necessary licenses or permits, and comply with environmental and safety regulations.

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What is the coverage area and flight time of a typical agricultural spraying/spreading drone?

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• The coverage area depends on the rate that needs to be applied. A lighter rate insecticide or herbicide can cover around 20ha an hour. A higher rate such as gorse will be around 2ha an hour.

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How do I calculate the amount of pesticide or fertilizer needed for a drone spraying operation?

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• Calculating the required amount of pesticide or fertiliser involves considering factors such as field size, crop type, application rate, and desired coverage. Talk to us about getting a no obligation map of the area you want sprayed so we can work out how much you need.

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