Volocopter, John Deere Partner On Large Ag Dr
 

Makes me wonder how much longer Crop Dusting will be a viable job for pilots:

From AINalerts:

Volocopter, John Deere Partner On Large Ag Drone

Volocopter has partnered with American agricultural vehicle and equipment manufacturer John Deere to create the first large agricultural application drone for missions traditionally performed by helicopters, the drone-maker announced this morning. The aircraft is based on the VoloDrone Volocopter unveiled last month and fitted with a John Deere crop-protection spray system with two capacity tanks, a pump, and a spray bar.

Volocopter said the agricultural drone, which has a potential payload up to 441 pounds, is reconfigurable for multiple missions, including spraying, sowing seeds, and frost control and that it can be piloted by a remote operator or fly a pre-programmed route.

The VoloDrone has a diameter of 30.2 feet and is powered by 18 rotors and a fully electric drive using exchangeable lithium-ion batteries. One battery charge provides 30 minutes of flight time. For agricultural spraying, the VoloDrone can cover an area equal to approximately 15 acres per flight hour.

Volocopter called the agricultural VoloDrone a “sustainable, precise, and cost-effective alternative to helicopters. Due to the system’s high flexibility and GPS control, more selective area-specific treatments are also possible.” Flight and application tests will begin next year.

Volocopter, John Deere Partner On Large Ag Dr
 

Oh good lord!
441#’s
15 acres an hour, lol!
That’s before the consultants get involved.

I just don’t see it

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Volocopter called the agricultural VoloDrone a “sustainable, precise, and cost-effective alternative to helicopters.

Whoever said this at volocopter does not know the first thing about farming. Not even close to the performance required for realistic application requirements. 30 min on battery, but 15 acres an hour? Does that include time for battery change or charge? Ignorant statement for such limited capability. Could it be the future? Sure, but it’s not a cost effective performer with those stats by a long shot as advertised.

I'm not familiar with Crop Dusting and after I read how much product they can put down on a field I don't see this Drone as much of a threat. Going to need something the size of a Predator drone and even that can only carry about 215lbs worth of missiles so maybe something even bigger before Cropdusting Pilots even need to begin to worry about their jobs.

I also wondered about their per-hour claims and the fact the battery is only good for 30 minutes.