Pilotless R44 granted ANAC approval for agricultural operations
The National Civil Agency of Brazil (ANAC) has granted approval for Rotor Technologies’ remotely-operated Robinson R44 variant to perform commercial agricultural operations, becoming the first regulatory body worldwide to do so.
New Hampshire-based Rotor’s R550 ‘Sprayhawk’ aircraft is the latest solution in its line of heavy-lift drones for agricultural and utility missions. Based on the R44, the Sprayhawk will initially be offered as an aftermarket retrofit kit, enabling piloted platforms to be converted by certain Robinson service centres. Rotor estimates there are currently around 400 R44s operating in Brazil.
Robinson Helicopter Company president and CEO David Smith said the established dealer network “gains a significant opportunity to expand agricultural business in Brazil through the marketing and distribution of the Sprayhawk,” with the “combination of the R44 platform’s low operating costs and Rotor Technologies’ remote-piloted technology [offering] a compelling alternative to fixed-wing aircraft or small drones”.
Compliant with ANAC’s Special Regulation for Unmanned Aircraft of Civilian Use, the Sprayhawk has a MTOW of 2,500lbs and a spray capacity of over 110 gallons. This enables it to “cover more than 200 acres per hour at a lower per acre cost than smaller UAVs or comparable manned platforms,” explained Rotor.
Operations (such as the spreading of chemicals fertilisers or seeds over uninhabited areas) will be conducted under visual line of sight (VLOS) or extended visual line of sight (EVLOS) conditions, with an operational ceiling up to 120m above the ground. They will begin with a remote safety pilot who must possess a CPL and have completed Rotor’s factory training.
“Unmanned and autonomous technology will keep pilots safe while stimulating Brazil’s innovation ecosystem, promoting job creation, and strengthening its agricultural industry,” added Rotor CEO Hector Xu. Following ANAC’s approval, Rotor is now seeking FAA approval for commercial agricultural applications in the US.
