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02 October 2024
Content courtesy of <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=Iu0PHI99JZrVFe1Bt5MiQN48Kr9onZVRvGsZKeFEGX0xtAzFaSJhcfB66Pp3wRWPYYkicR4K4YIBm4nJEcQVVsy72HNtzE1BxZ4AW4m9uNY=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FN Media Group</a>&nbsp;
The Artificial Intelligence in Drone Technology Market is projected by industry experts to continue to substantially increase in the next several years.
They say that enhanced autonomy and intelligence will drive market growth.
A recent <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=dmgCAfDV6HkpFUmq9-1NfzsHtq611SESQ20IEJDNL_3E_Uq8IQG8QGU9dmkmfbFwKCLVUaMD3ufsSTZAPgppPa6tjD7sdp5gtFbYMIdmf0m9ezlcYwcY03_jNRyHAhsbYisAlyaHWhhd7q456i_HsYwhcRWfEHtYLhTpatTT-EJ1To1GqPZDixDE91iCwTRQOpIeqAewPmhOuy6LYFpDDSpjsViz3SU32_zsjw0EYYjRPDvDPObIjXDmg-DEbXIP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">report</a>&nbsp;from <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://market.us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market.us</a> said: &ldquo;The integration of AI into drone technology will significantly drive the growth of the AI in Drone Technology market. One of the primary factors is the enhanced autonomy that AI brings to drones. AI algorithms enable drones to perform complex tasks independently, such as navigating through challenging environments and avoiding obstacles without human intervention. This capability is crucial in sectors like agriculture, where AI-powered drones can monitor crops and optimize resource use, leading to higher yields and reduced waste. Moreover, AI improves the intelligence of drones, allowing them to analyze data in real time and make instant decisions. This is particularly beneficial in emergency services, where drones equipped with AI can conduct search and rescue operations efficiently by covering large areas quickly and identifying individuals in need of help through advanced imaging techniques.
&ldquo;Additionally, AI&rsquo;s role in data collection and processing is transformative. Drones can gather vast amounts of data and, using AI, analyze it to provide actionable insights. For example, in infrastructure inspection, AI-powered drones can detect faults such as cracks or corrosion in real time, helping to prevent costly repairs and ensuring safety. Drones equipped with AI can collect and analyze vast amounts of data, providing actionable insights in real time. This trend is particularly valuable in industries like construction, mining, and environmental monitoring, where timely data is critical for decision-making.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The article concluded: &ldquo;North America Dominates with 36.2% Market Share in the AI in Drone Technology Market. North America&rsquo;s leading 36.2% market share with USD 4.52 Bn in the AI in drone technology market is primarily driven by robust technological advancements and significant investments in research and development. The presence of major drone manufacturers and tech companies that integrate AI enhances drone capabilities and applications. This region also benefits from favorable government regulations that support drone testing and commercial use. The market dynamics in North America are influenced by a strong demand for drones in both commercial and recreational sectors. The integration of AI allows for improved data collection, autonomous operations, and better safety features, which are critical for expanding drone applications in areas like agriculture, delivery services, and surveillance. High consumer adoption and technological literacy further fuel market growth. The future impact of North America&rsquo;s dominance in the AI in drone technology market is expected to grow with ongoing technological innovations and increasing acceptance of drones in various sectors. As AI continues to evolve, it will likely lead to even more sophisticated and autonomous drone solutions, ensuring that North America maintains a strong market presence.&rdquo;
<h5 align="left">About FN Media Group</h5>
At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today&rsquo;s emerging companies.&nbsp;

AI Influence on Drone Technology

30 September 2024
In what has obviously become the "norm" for reporting on disasters of all types, drone pilots have been documenting the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. Below is footage from Asheville, North Carolina.&nbsp;
<h5>Watch</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MSl79cLYzBU?si=ylJaxq6FqNE7-Lxi" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQiVqv99jrs?si=xb7bQC6H_OTngT6c" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Drones Reveal Damage from Hurricane Helene

26 September 2024
Servo drives, pivotal components in the realm of automated control, have become crucial in the nuanced domain of drone technology. As drones increasingly permeate various sectors&mdash;from aerial photography to precision agriculture&mdash;the demand for sophisticated control mechanisms like servo drives is escalating. This article delves into how servo drives enhance drone functionalities, emphasizing their indispensable role in modern drone applications.
<h5>What Are Servo Drives and How Do They Work in Drones?</h5>
<a href="https://www.a-m-c.com/servo-drive-top-benefits-motion-control-applications/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Servo drives</a> are sophisticated devices designed to control the position, velocity, and torque of a motor, which are essential for the precise operation of drones. In the context of drones, servo drives adjust the motors&rsquo; speed and angle based on feedback, ensuring accurate movement and positioning. This dynamic adjustment is critical for drones that must perform complex maneuvers or maintain stability in variable conditions.
<h5>Why Are Servo Drives Crucial for Drone Maneuverability?</h5>
The agility of a drone&mdash;its ability to navigate through tight spaces, withstand windy conditions, and change altitudes or directions swiftly&mdash;is largely attributed to servo drives. These devices continuously adjust the drone's motor outputs to achieve desired states of altitude, stabilization, and directional control, making them fundamental for complex flight dynamics.
<h5>How Do Servo Drives Interact with Drone Motors?</h5>
Servo drives control drone motors by sending precise electrical pulses that dictate the motor&rsquo;s function at any given time. This interaction allows for:
<ul>
<li>Speed control: Adjusting the motor speed to match flight conditions.</li>
<li>Direction control: Changing the propeller direction for turns and altitude adjustments.</li>
<li>Stabilization: Maintaining balance and orientation during flight.</li>
<li>Precision in positioning: Ensuring the drone follows the intended flight path with exactitude.</li>
</ul>
<h5>What Types of Servo Drives Are Commonly Used in Drone Control?</h5>
Drones utilize a variety of servo drives, each offering unique benefits for specific applications. The selection often depends on the required precision, efficiency, and robustness of the drone.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/AfTuOlqHiMSGHdaetk4xrMk93trPCFhKA3RsQ1Mi.png" alt="" width="178" height="164" />
AC Servo Drives. AC servo drives are preferred in applications requiring high efficiency and power. They are typically used in larger drones that need robust performance over extended periods.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/L6YgI3jbuyMuJbVfa6AZlHEXuKqgX20THugmg6UG.png" alt="" width="179" height="154" />
DC Servo Drives. DC servo drives are favored for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, suitable for smaller drones or those with less stringent power demands.
<h5>What Are the Main Components of a Drone's Servo System?</h5>
The servo system of a drone is a symphony of components working in unison to ensure flawless flight control:
<ul>
<li>Servo motor: Executes the movement commands from the servo drive.</li>
<li>Feedback sensors: Provide real-time data on the motor&rsquo;s position and speed.</li>
<li>Controller: Processes the sensor data to adjust motor inputs.</li>
<li>Power supply: Fuels the entire servo system with the necessary energy.</li>
</ul>
<h5>How Do Servo Drives Contribute to Drone Stability?</h5>
Servo drives are integral to maintaining a drone's equilibrium during flight. By making real-time adjustments to the motor based on continuous feedback, servo drives help drones respond instantaneously to environmental changes, preventing undesired fluctuations or drifts.
<h5>What Are the Key Parameters for Tuning Servo Drives in Drone Control?</h5>
To optimize drone performance, several parameters of the servo drives must be finely tuned, including:
<ul>
<li>Position accuracy: Ensuring the drone maintains its intended course.</li>
<li>Torque sensitivity: Adjusting the responsiveness of the motors to torque changes.</li>
<li>Velocity control: Regulating speed to adapt to different flight conditions.</li>
<li>Feedback response time: Minimizing the delay between sensor input and motor adjustment.</li>
</ul>
<h5>What Are the Common Challenges in Integrating Servo Drives in Drone Control?</h5>
Integrating servo drives into drones presents challenges such as managing the added weight, optimizing power consumption, and ensuring robust performance under diverse environmental conditions.
<h5>How Do Servo Drives Enhance Drone Performance in Specialized Applications?</h5>
In specialized fields like agriculture, photography, and delivery, servo drives elevate drone capabilities by enabling precise movements and stable, reliable control, which are critical for tasks such as crop monitoring, aerial shots, and package delivery.
<h5>What Are the Main Advantages of Using Servo Drives in Drones?</h5>
Servo drives bring several benefits to drone operations, including:
<ul>
<li>Precision in movement: Allowing for fine control and accuracy.</li>
<li>Energy efficiency: Reducing power wastage through precise motor control.</li>
<li>Enhanced responsiveness: Quick reaction to command changes.</li>
<li>Improved flight stability: Ensuring smooth operations under varying conditions.</li>
</ul>
<h5>How Do Servo Drives Compare to Other Control Systems in Drones?</h5>
Compared to systems like stepper motors or <a href="https://todayshomeowner.com/tools/guides/solved-what-does-brushless-motor-mean/">brushless motor</a> controls, servo drives offer superior precision and efficiency, although they may come at a higher cost and complexity.
<h5>What Are the Important Factors to Consider When Selecting Servo Drives for Drones?</h5>
Selecting the right servo drive involves considering factors such as the power-to-weight ratio, speed and responsiveness, cost, durability, and compatibility with other drone components.
<h5>How Do You Maintain and Troubleshoot Servo Drives in Drones?</h5>
Proper maintenance and troubleshooting of servo drives involve:
<ul>
<li>Inspecting wiring and connections: Ensuring all connections are secure.</li>
<li>Monitoring feedback signals: Checking for consistent sensor output.</li>
<li>Checking the power supply: Verifying that the power supply is stable.</li>
<li>Calibration procedures: Regularly calibrating the system for optimal performance.</li>
</ul>
<h5>What Are Future Trends in Servo Drives for Drone Technology?</h5>
Emerging trends in servo drive technology include miniaturization, enhanced efficiency, and integration with AI to facilitate autonomous control, promising to revolutionize drone technology further.
Servo drives are foundational to the advanced functionalities of modern drones, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and reliability. As drone technology evolves, the role of servo drives will continue to expand, underscoring their critical contribution to the aerial innovations of tomorrow.

The Integral Role of Servo Drives in Drone Control

25 September 2024
Just-released footage shows how 10-year-old Peyton Saintignan was found safe after thermal-imaging drones were added to the search.
Saintignan had apparently sleepwalked into the woods in Webster Parish, Louisiana, after going to bed on September 14. Although the wandering child was filmed by a trail camera on Sunday, September 15, it took the drone launch to discover her exact whereabouts.&nbsp;
Happily, she was found sleeping amidst the forest trees, with no injuries or other trauma&mdash;besides being hungry.
The thermal drones were piloted by <a class="themeColorForLinks" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1211191716875694" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1211191716875694" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-uw-rm-brl="PR" data-uw-original-href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1211191716875694" aria-label="Drone Management Services LLC - open in a new tab" data-uw-rm-ext-link="">Drone Management Services LLC</a>&mdash;a Magnolia, Arkansas company that offered its assistance and expertise after being notified about Saintignan's disappearance by a family member. DMS pilots/techs Josh Klober, Matt Ramos, and Micah Carter joined the massive search along with the Webster Parish Sheriff&rsquo;s Office, Minden Police and Fire Departments, Homeland Security, DeSoto and Bienville Parish Sheriffs' Offices, David Wade Correction Chase Team, and Lousiana Wildlife and Fisheries.
&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t tell you how thrilled we all are to have a happy ending to this,&rdquo; said Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker. "A lot of prayers were answered, and I want to thank all the agencies who helped bring Peyton safely home, as well as all the volunteers who gave their time and efforts. This was truly a cooperative effort."
<h5>Watch</h5>
<iframe style="width: 672px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1rTS6CG_nM?si=hLH6Dt4AOtBIi7nI" width="672" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Drone finds missing 10-year-old in Louisiana woods

23 September 2024
By <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/henry-duquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Henry Duquette</a>
Ever since I can remember I was a go-getter, from becoming an Eagle Scout to winning the Science Fair in Junior High School for building a computer back in 1960. I was then approached by a man who handed me his business card and asked me&nbsp; to contact him after High School. International Business Machines I thought. What is this company and will they go anywhere? For those who are wondering, yes I threw the card away.
After serving in the military, I travelled the country for a few years, ending up doing a three-month wildness hiking trip in northwest Canada. It taught me many things, most importantly who I was and how to overcome any obstacles that got in my way. From that point on in my life I was never afraid to try something new.
While attending college in the late '70s I found the joys of film photography, flying, nature, landscape, infra-red photos, and developing my own photos in my own dark room.
After watching the movie&nbsp;starring James Stewart as Charles Lindbergh in&nbsp;&ldquo;The Spirit of St. Louis&rdquo; there was a commercial of a local airport in Rhode Island to learn to fly a plane, the first lesson was $10. The very next day I was sitting in the left seat of a Cherokee 150 plane. I was hooked for life and received my Private Pilot&rsquo;s License and flew from 1977 to 1983, booking over 250 hours of flight time.
I started to realize that I needed to make money to continue to enjoy my passions and to support a family.&nbsp; This is where I realized that I had a talent in starting a business and making it successful. My early days of wilderness traveling, overcoming obstacles, and never being afraid to try something new came into play. I am a person that does not have in my vocabulary, &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t do that, or it&rsquo;s too hard, or any negative thoughts to prevent me from attaining my goals in life.&rdquo; What does come to mind naturally when I have an idea is&nbsp;always, &ldquo;I can do that&rdquo; so with that attitude my direction in life was set.&nbsp;
My first business in the early '80s was in Computer Security. This was a time when micro-computers were in its infancy, and I wanted to jump on the band wagon. My idea took off, and within a year I had major national accounts under my belt. Businesses like Brown University, Hughs Aircraft, New England Telephone, JPL, etc. were buying my wares. After several years I sold the business at a very good profit. This allowed me to dive into another passion of mine, fishing. I had an idea to develop a laminated Nautical Chart that showed where the best fishing spots were but adding and using the local names of those areas. I also showed loading ramps, fuel docks, restaurants to travel to by boat and added other bits of information that a boater or fisherman would need while on the water. I called my business, Captain Segull's Sport Fishing Charts. I had charts from Maine to Florida and sold these charts for over the next twelve or so years before I sold the business in 2001. I am proud to say that Captain Segull Charts are still in existence today and are still going strong. Check them out, and if there is something you are interested in, just let them know that Henry the original Captain Segull sent you.
About the same time I was selling Captain Segull Charts, my beautiful wife, Roberta, had a hobby making beaded jewelry. She wanted to buy some expensive Dichroic Glass beads.&nbsp; I told her that I would invest in a studio and make her inventory, but I was not at all interested in making women&rsquo;s jewelry. Long story short, she fell out of bead making due to her career taking off and I pursued doing 38 Art Shows a year traveling from Maine to Florida and out to Pittsburg, PA for 16 years. I currently have been awarded over 17 First, and Second Place Ribbons and a $600 cash prize with a Honorably Best of Show Award during my Art Show history. These were fun and very profitable years, but the travel got to us. I am still blowing glass to the present day under the name of Forever in Glass LLC, but the work comes to me now from all over the United States, Canada &amp; New Zealand. I work out of our house in Maine during the Fall &amp; Winter and in our summer home in Swansea, Massachusetts. Even after 24 years of blowing glass, I still enjoy it, and its still going strong.
Being self-employed since 1980 allows me to still travel the world with my wife, and pursue other interests that gets me out of the studio. I started to fly drones in 2019 to take photos of our travels. My first was a DJI Mavic 2 Pro flying recreational. This led to re-igniting my passion for flying. I enrolled in an online ground school called&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://mzeroa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">MZEROA.COM</a>. I highly recommend this school as they will guarantee a successful experience. The instructor teaches everything you need to know and is done in a way that gives you the confidence that you need to pass the test. In 2020, I re-certified my Private Pilot&rsquo;s License in a High Performance / Complex C-182 plane. In the same year I enrolled again in the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://mzeroa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">MZEROA.COM</a>&nbsp;unmanned ground school for attaining my PART 107 sUAS License and started to fly drones commercially.
After investing over $30,000 in a drone, I specialize in roof inspections, mapping, insurance inspections, construction, real estate, solar etc.
My current drone inventory is,&nbsp;
Top of the line DJI M350 RTK drone, with a P1 / 35mm, and a H20T Thermal Camera Payload, an Emlid RS3 RTK Base Station, 3 pairs of batteries, a quick charging Case, an in-field gas generator to charge batteries on the go, DBTU 1300 digital solar power meter for solar inspections, all my PPE Equipment. Renewed Part 107 license, and a OSHA 10 Card. Nikon D850 DSLR Camera with a variety of lenses from 14mm to 600mm, and a DJI Osmo 6 iPhone stabilizer.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/kCkkzv6n8oU85jzVwteceo5BdvT8IPDZTPwJHOHE.png" alt="" width="314" height="259" />
DJI Matrice M350 RTK with a P1/35mm and a H20T payload.
I also continued my drone training by attending the ITC sUAS Level 1 Thermographer Certification, which I highly recommend. They also guarantee passing the course, or you can retake the course for free.
I am very familiar in getting a LAANC or a COA from the FAA. Skywatch $1,000,000 liability insurance renewed on a monthly basis, and of course my old fashion strong work ethic. The software that I currently use is the DJI Pilot 2 app, and I own a perpetual UgCS Pro license. I am familiar with DroneDeploy (but I do not have an account.)&nbsp;
I am willing to travel 150 miles radius for a mission any day of the week on a contractual basis and possible couple of over-night deployments.
I come with the following skills: An Old-fashion Strong Work Ethic &bull; Communication Skills &bull; Problem Solving &bull; Personal Integrity &bull; People Management &bull; Computer/Technical Skills &bull; And definitely, Going the Distance.

Pilot Story: Henry Duquette

19 September 2024
By Michael Molenda, Editor.
Recently, another potential assassin outsmarted the United States Secret Service to get dangerously close to former president Donald Trump.
As insane as that sounds&mdash;given that the men and women in the Secret Service are supposed to be the best and most resolute defenders of not only our leaders, but foreign dignitaries, as well&mdash;it's even more outlandish that The Droning Company could help presidential protection squads bolster security with a less-than-$100 purchase.
Here's the plan:&nbsp;
&bull; Log onto Amazon, Walmart, or any number of retail sites that sell drones.
&bull; Search for "Drones."
&bull; To avoid the hassles of a bi-partisan "Budget Review" committee, set the product-page filter to "Low Price to High Price."
&bull; Bypass any value-packed, technologically innovative drones by DJI, because, well, you're trying to ban them. (<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/the-u-s-drone-industry-is-under-attack-again-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more here</a>.)
&bull; Look for a camera-enabled drone package. We found one on sale for <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/4DRC-V9-Mini-Drone-with-720P-HD-Camera-for-Adults-Foldable-Quadcopter-with-FPV-WiFi-Camera-3-Modular-Batteries-White/339532675?athbdg=L1700&amp;adsRedirect=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$39.99 at Walmart</a>.
&bull;&nbsp; Purchase.
&bull; Take some drone-pilot training at <a href="https://www.warren.edu/uploads/DRONE-WEB-PAGE-June-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warren UAS</a>, <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://pilotinstitute.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pilot Institute</a>, or any number of the fine online or on-site drone schools.
&bull; Get that drone out in the field searching for threats across any areas that need surveillance.&nbsp;
&bull; Need a little more data? Read our article, <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/opinion-where-were-the-drones-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Where Were the Drones?"</a>
Now, we know the United States military will tell you they can recommend far more technologically advanced&mdash;and expensive&mdash;spy drones. They're right.&nbsp;
However, as it appears the Secret Service is currently NOT taking advantage of drone technology to seek out, identify, and capture "assassins in the field," even a "toy" drone is better than no drone.
You're welcome...

A Modest Proposal

18 September 2024
Although, at press time, Ukrainian forces were not claiming responsibility for the action, drones attacked an arms depot approximately 240 miles from Moscow.
The resulting blast was so ferocious it could be seen from outer space, and it also caused a 2.8-magnitude earthquake.&nbsp;The alleged drone strike also forced thousands of people to evacuate.
Russia's state media did not initially report on the attack or the explosion&mdash;although independent reporters, military bloggers, and the governor of the Tver region where the incident took place claimed Ukrainian drones had been shot down in the area.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z8PJ52CmWC8?si=BBq4jgd5TP_Eb5g-" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Ukraine Launches Drone Attack on Russian Arms Depot

17 September 2024
As epic rainfall causes cataclysmic flooding in central and eastern Europe&mdash;bringing with it forced evacuations of thousands from their homes and businesses&mdash;drones have documented the calamity. At press time, 17 people had died, and the torrential rains show no signs of abating.&nbsp;
<h5>Watch</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S9Zd2cIfBeE?si=bMzASRyUq_0Pvvo0" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Drones Capture Flooding in Europe

16 September 2024
<a href="https://rotor.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rotor Technologies, Inc.</a>, enters the agricultural market with the <a href="https://rotor.ai/r550-sprayhawk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sprayhawk</a>, an automated crop dusting unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The Sprayhawk is an unmanned aircraft based on the Robinson R44 full-scale helicopter; it can carry 110 gallons and spray over 240 acres per hour.
The Sprayhawk is said to be the largest agricultural drone available in the world. It can take off and land vertically and can be operated by a ground crew of just two people.
It features a 120-gallon spray tank with 33-foot spray booms, autonomous spray path and terrain following algorithms, and camera and LIDAR sensors for detecting wires and avoiding obstacles.
The Sprayhawk is powered by a Lycoming six-cylinder aviation engine and can spray at over 80 miles per hour with a flight time of 50 minutes between refueling.
The Sprayhawk matches the spray speed and capacity of manned aircraft, while offering significantly lower operating costs and improved safety.
&ldquo;The Sprayhawk represents a significant leap forward in agricultural aviation,&rdquo; said Rotor CEO Hector Xu. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve combined the capabilities of a full-scale helicopter with the cost-effectiveness and safety of a drone. There&rsquo;s nothing else on the market that&rsquo;s as productive, reliable, and future-proof as this.&rdquo;
The first Sprayhawk production aircraft has been completed and is undergoing ground testing ahead of delivery to an agricultural partner in the U.S. Midwest later this year.
The first batch of production Sprayhawks will be delivered to early-access partners throughout spring 2025 and are expected to begin commercial spraying operations in the 2025 corn run.
Rotor is opening up orders to customers in the US and Brazil for 2025 Model Year Sprayhawks, with delivery slots still available for late 2025 and early 2026. The first 2025 production run will be limited to 15 aircraft.
The introductory price for the Sprayhawk is $990,000 for orders placed before December 15, 2024. The system comes in a &ldquo;ready-to-spray&rdquo; configuration and includes the Sprayhawk UAV, a 120-gallon tank and 33-foot spray boom system, a helicopter transport trailer, and a ground control station.
Rotor chief commercial officer Ben Frank emphasized the market impact of the Sprayhawk in response to the rise of smaller agricultural UAVs.
&ldquo;We think that the Sprayhawk is the right path forward for US farmers and aerial applicators,&rdquo; said Frank. &ldquo;Many of the agricultural drones on the market today are unlikely to stand the test of time. The need for larger and more reliable aircraft is clear and our aggressive introductory pricing for the 2025 model year is designed to speed up adoption.&rdquo;
The Sprayhawk is designed to maximize operator efficiency and profitability. Its economic performance exceeds that of other comparable agricultural spraying solutions.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/V5eTReudKfY4JTg9QnVmmpt2QQFKSUEpBRpUoJO7.png" alt="" width="683" height="211" />
Rotor offers training, maintenance plans, and regulatory support to Sprayhawk customers to ensure seamless deployment in any agricultural setting.
Note to readers: The above content is from a Rotor Technologies press release.

Flying Helicopters to Oust Drones for Agricultural Use?

10 September 2024
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/PJwhfBph0II2m679h7zgsmJIjejGxe06Q5qShc5U.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="132" />
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/our-team/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel&nbsp;</a>
On September 8, 2024, I felt an urgency in my spirit to document the catastrophic Line Fire that was rapidly spreading through San Bernardino County, affecting family and friends close to my heart. The fire, which started near Highland just days prior, had grown at an alarming rate due to scorching temperatures and dry conditions. As a certified drone pilot, I knew I had an opportunity to contribute to public awareness in a safe and meaningful way.
The Line Fire, as of today, has scorched over 20,000 acres, forcing more than 6,000 residents to evacuate. With mandatory evacuation orders issued for communities like Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, the situation continues to escalate. Only three percent of the fire is contained, despite the efforts of over 1,700 firefighters battling the flames day and night.
With these heartbreaking realities in mind, I carefully planned my flight. After checking my local airspace and confirming that the area I intended to fly in was Class G airspace (without restrictions or advisories at the time), I powered on my Mavic 3 drone and began capturing the overwhelming effects of the fire. From a safe distance, I documented the thick clouds of smoke, the desolate skies, and the poor air quality that continues to plague the region.
What inspired me to share this experience?
It was the response from my Instagram Reel. The footage resonated with many, and I realized how crucial it was to showcase this disaster from a different perspective. People were grateful to see what was happening from the sky&mdash;an angle not everyone has access to. As drone pilots, we have a unique tool in our hands to bring constructive, positive, and informative visuals to our communities. By safely documenting and sharing such events, we can contribute to the public&rsquo;s understanding of these crises.
However, there are critical responsibilities that come with flying in such situations. I cannot stress enough the importance of being intentional, safe, and respectful of airspace regulations. Interference with manned aircraft&mdash;particularly those involved in firefighting efforts&mdash;can be dangerous and even life-threatening. That's why I always emphasize to fellow drone pilots: use your drone wisely, but never recklessly.
As the Line Fire continues to rage on, I hope my small contribution serves as a reminder of the power of perspective and the responsibility we have as drone operators. Stay informed, stay safe, and, if you can, use your skills to make a difference.
For those following the fire closely, official updates can be found through CAL FIRE and InciWeb, as this situation continues to evolve with the arrival of more triple-digit heat this week: <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire </a>and <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-line-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-line-fire</a>
By sharing these visuals and my experience, I hope to inspire others to use technology responsibly in times of need. We have a real opportunity to be visual advocates. Let&rsquo;s make sure we do it safely.
<h5>Watch</h5>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_r2oIHxyBZ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_r2oIHxyBZ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a>
<h5><a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click to Read More Articles From Timothy Brazzel</a></h5>

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