Pyka Unveils Pelican 2, the Largest Autonomous Crop Protection Aircraft

Pyka has unveiled the Pelican 2, the world's largest autonomous crop protection aircraft, announced in a press release. The Pelican 2 features a 300-liter payload and can cover up to 90 hectares per hour, making it the most productive autonomous electric agricultural aircraft to date.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized the commercial operation of the Pelican 2 in the United States, marking it as the largest uncrewed aerial system (UAS) ever approved for commercial use by the FAA. This approval follows Pyka's previous success with the original Pelican model.

In addition to its U.S. operations, Pyka has secured an order for 20 Pelican 2 aircraft in Brazil, one of the world's largest agricultural markets. This expansion is expected to enhance large-scale autonomous aerial application operations in the region, offering significant efficiency and cost savings for Brazilian growers.

The Pelican 2 boasts several advanced features, including an upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system, a wider 18-meter swath width, and dynamic droplet size adjustment. It also includes advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying, ensuring continuous operation with its five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets. The aircraft is available for purchase at a starting price of USD 550,000.