Key Highlights:
- Rotor Technologies Sprayhawk Demonstration: Live flight test at Perot Field Alliance Airport.
- Strategic Announcements: Retrofit package for Robinson R44 aircraft, partnership with AG-NAV for precision navigation, and pricing details for 2025 models.
- Industry Support: Collaboration with Hillwood, Helicopter Institute, and FAA.
- Event Attendance: Over 200 aviation industry leaders witnessed the groundbreaking demonstration.
Live Flight Demonstration of the Sprayhawk
Rotor Technologies (Profile) unveiled the future of aerial agriculture at Perot Field Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, Texas, with a demonstration of its Sprayhawk, the largest and most advanced agricultural UAV in the world. Piloted remotely by Rotor Chief Pilot Joao Magioni, the Sprayhawk showcased its capabilities, including startup procedures, hovering, turning maneuvers, and its integrated spray system, during a five-minute flight.
Key Announcements from Rotor Technologies
New Retrofit Package for Robinson R44 Aircraft
Rotor announced a retrofit option for existing Robinson R44 operators, expanding access to autonomous agricultural UAV technology. This move makes the Sprayhawk compatible with a fleet of over 6,000 Robinson R44 aircraft currently in service, in addition to new-build Sprayhawks.
2025 Pricing and Early Adopter Opportunities
CEO Hector Xu confirmed pricing for 2025 Sprayhawk models and retrofits, with early adopter discounts available until December 15, 2024. Xu emphasized the company’s partnership with AG-NAV, Inc. to integrate advanced precision agricultural navigation systems.
“The Sprayhawk launch marks a pivotal moment for both Rotor and the agricultural sector. With Sprayhawk, we’re setting a new standard for agricultural UAVs, merging large payload capacity with cutting-edge autonomy to support safety, precision agriculture, and sustainability,” said Xu.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The event featured remarks from Randy Rowles, President of the Helicopter Institute, who underscored the regulatory and technological significance of the Sprayhawk.
“Helicopter Institute was proud to be part of this milestone event. The Sprayhawk represents a significant leap forward in agricultural spraying, aligning with the industry’s goals for safer and more efficient aerial applications,” Rowles stated.
Christopher Ash, Senior Vice President of Aviation Business Development at Hillwood, echoed these sentiments:
“Hosting this event within the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone highlights our commitment to fostering innovation. Rotor Technologies is revolutionizing aerial agriculture, and we are proud to support their groundbreaking efforts.”
Networking and Future Plans
Attendees explored the Sprayhawk prototype and interacted with Rotor’s Ground Control Station, providing hands-on insights into its operation. The event concluded with networking opportunities, allowing industry leaders to connect with Rotor’s newly appointed VP of Commercialization, Andy Mearns, and the flight team.
The Sprayhawk prototypes are undergoing rigorous flight testing ahead of joint development operations with select operators across the U.S. as part of Rotor’s Joint Development Program.
