Elevating farming to new heights with unmanned aerial sprayer

Global crop protection company ADAMA Ltd. has partnered with Tactical Robotics Ltd., an Israeli aerospace company, in a joint feasibility study for a High-Payload, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for aerial agricultural spraying.

Tactical Robotics has developed the Cormorant, a multi-role, compact, high payload, unmanned Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (VTOL) aircraft with unique capabilities. The Cormorant can carry an effective payload of more than 1100 pounds (up to 1680 pounds including fuel), it does not require an airstrip and can be transported by truck. The Cormorant is a versatile UAV platform capable of preforming multiple tasks, ranging from logistics and cargo services to fire-fighting and aerial spraying.

As part of the collaboration, ADAMA and Tactical Robotics will work together to develop the Ag-Cormorant, an innovative solution for aerial spraying. ADAMA’s expertise and know-how of the agricultural industry alongside its farmer-centric approach dedicated for bringing valuable solutions to the farm ecosystem will guide the development direction and define the Ag-Cormorant capabilities.

The Ag-Cormorant’s unmanned operation and unique design promote a new standard of safety in aerial spraying. It eliminates the risks of pilot injuries and exposed rotor accidents. With a relatively low acoustic signature and 24/7 flying capabilities it will significantly increase the available window for application. The Ag-Cormorant’s ability to adjust flight height and speed according to the mission in combination with unique aerodynamic properties enables better canopy penetration, drift reduction, and variable rate application capabilities.