Key Takeaways:
- Pyka has partnered with Heinen Brothers Agra Services and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to distribute its Pelican 2 aircraft in the U.S.
- The Pelican 2 is the world’s largest autonomous agricultural aircraft, FAA-authorized for commercial use.
- The aircraft features an 80-gallon payload and can cover up to 222 acres per hour.
- Company leaders highlighted efficiency, sustainability, and safety as core benefits for growers.
- Deliveries to customers are expected in the coming months.
Pyka Expands U.S. Reach with Distribution Partnership
Pyka announced its first U.S. distribution agreement with Heinen Brothers Agra Services, one of North America’s largest privately owned aerial application providers, and its subsidiary, Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems. The partnership establishes a channel for marketing and distributing Pyka’s Pelican 2 aircraft to growers across the United States.
Pelican 2 Capabilities
The Pelican 2, which the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized as the largest uncrewed aerial system for commercial use, is designed for agricultural applications. It offers an 80-gallon payload, the ability to cover 222 acres per hour, and fully autonomous flight capabilities.
According to Pyka, these features aim to support U.S. growers with improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact while maintaining safety and profitability.
Industry Perspectives
Volker Fabian, Chief Commercial Officer of Pyka, described the collaboration as a key step in bringing autonomous aviation technology to agriculture: “Partnering with Heinen Brothers and Kelly Hills is a major milestone for Pyka. Together, we’re bringing Pyka’s technology to U.S. farmers to help them operate more efficiently, sustainably, and profitably.”
Lukas Koch, Chief Executive Officer of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, noted that the Pelican 2 “represents a big leap forward in agricultural aviation,” citing its payload capacity, autonomy, and field reliability as important advantages for U.S. farmers.
Next Steps for Pyka and Partners
The partnership was announced at the Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems Field Day in Seneca, Kansas, with agricultural experts, state officials, and industry leaders in attendance. Deliveries of the Pelican 2 to Heinen Brothers’ and Kelly Hills’ customers are scheduled to begin in the coming months, marking an important step toward broader adoption of autonomous electric aviation technologies in U.S. agriculture.
Pyka
Pyka develops autonomous electric aircraft aimed at providing clean, cost-efficient transportation for industrial and agricultural applications. The company manufactures its own flight control software, avionics, electric propulsion systems, and carbon-fiber airframes.
Currently, Pyka serves clients across four continents with aircraft for cargo delivery and crop protection. Its aircraft are designed to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and provide operational efficiency. Pyka has received regulatory approvals, including from the FAA, to support commercial deployment of its technologies.
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