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The Evolution of Spray Drones, Their Capabilities and Challenges for Pesticide Applications

 

Authors

Fred Whitford, Director, Purdue Pesticide Programs
Simerjeet Virk, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University
Bryan Young, Professor of Weed Science, Purdue University
Steve Li, Extension Specialist, Auburn University
Alex Helms, Assistant Director, Purdue Agricultural Centers
Erdal Ozkan, Professor and Pesticide Application Technology Specialist, The Ohio State University
Ashley Adair, Extension Organic Agriculture Specialist, Purdue University
Hunter Medenwald, Graduate Research Assistant, Purdue University
Tommy Butts, Clinical Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scientist, Purdue University
Adam Shanks, Digital Agriculture Curriculum Lead, Purdue University
Kevin Leigh Smith, Continuing Lecturer and Communication Specialist,
Purdue Agricultural Sciences, Education and Communication

 

This image is available from the United States Library of Congress

It’s nothing short of amazing to see how the aviation industry has advanced since Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flights on the sandy beaches of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Winning the flip of a coin over Orville, Wilbur made history on December 17, 1903, when his plane covered 852 feet at a speed of 34 miles per hour, becoming the first recorded flight.

In a little more than a century, planes have become essential for transporting people, mail, and cargo across continents and oceans. Advances in aviation technology have produced jets that can be undetected by radars, travel at supersonic speeds, and carry heavy payloads unimaginable to early aviation inventors and enthusiasts.

 

Contents ( Click the chapter title to start reading.)

1. The Dawn of Drones.
2. Drones Finding Broader Uses.
3. Interest in Spray Drones for Pesticide Applications.
4. Current Challenges of Using Spray Drones.
5. Learning to Fly with Computers.
6. Calibrating Spray Drones for Liquid Applications.
7. Operational Setup in the Field.
8. Common Questions Regarding Spray Drone Applications.
9. Drone Maintenance and Winterization.
10. Pesticide Labels - A Quandary for Clear Guidance.
11. Federal Aviation Administration Regulations. 
12. Considerations Before Purchasing a Drone.
13. Insurance For Protecting Your Investment and Challenges from Lawsuits.
14. Conclusion
15. Acknowledgements | Disclaimer