U.S.-based Rotor Technologies has announced that Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has confirmed that the Rotor R550 Sprayhawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) complies with the Special Regulation for Civilian Unmanned Aircraft issued by ANAC. This approval allows the start of commercial agricultural operations in Brazil.
The Sprayhawk is an unmanned variant of the Robinson R44 helicopter, with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 2,500 pounds and a spray capacity of over 110 gallons. This enables it to cover more than 200 acres per hour at a lower cost per acre compared to smaller UAVs or comparable manned platforms.
The approval applies to the commercial application of agrochemicals, adjuvants, fertilizers, inoculants, soil amendments, and seeds in uninhabited areas. Operations must be conducted under visual line-of-sight (VLOS) or extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS) conditions, with an operational ceiling of up to 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level (AGL).
Operations will begin with a remote safety pilot, who must hold a Commercial Pilot License and complete Rotor’s factory training program, according to Aeroin, Rotor’s media partner.
ANAC is the first aviation regulator worldwide to authorize commercial Sprayhawk operations. Meanwhile, Rotor Technologies is seeking FAA approval for commercial agricultural operations in the U.S. through exemptions, similar to those granted to other agricultural UAVs like the DJI Agras T50.
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