Pyka, a pioneer in autonomous electric aviation, has introduced its latest agricultural spray aircraft, the Pelican 2. With a significantly expanded 300-liter payload and the capability to cover up to 90 hectares per hour, Pelican 2 stands as the most advanced and productive autonomous electric agricultural aircraft to date.
FAA Approval and Commercial Expansion
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Pyka commercial authorization for Pelican 2, marking the second major approval for the company’s uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products. Pelican 2 now holds the distinction of being the largest UAS ever cleared for commercial operations in the U.S., surpassing the original Pelican. This achievement cements Pyka’s dominance in the heavy-lift commercial UAS sector both domestically and internationally.
In addition to its regulatory milestone, Pyka has secured a landmark order for 20 Pelican 2 aircraft in Brazil, reinforcing its position in one of the world’s largest agricultural markets. The deployment of these aircraft is set to revolutionize large-scale aerial application in Brazil, improving efficiency while significantly reducing operational costs for farmers.
Next-Generation Features and Performance
Since the launch of its first commercial autonomous spray aircraft in 2021, Pyka has continually refined its technology to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. Pelican 2 introduces a range of cutting-edge enhancements, including:
- Enhanced electric propulsion system with four upgraded motors for increased power and reliability.
- Expanded payload capacity of 300 liters, reducing the need for frequent refills and extending mission durations.
- Wider 18-meter spray swath with versatile boom configurations, incorporating hydraulic nozzles and proprietary electric rotary atomizers.
- Dynamic droplet size adjustment for optimal chemical application and minimized drift.
- Five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets enabling round-the-clock operation.
- Advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems for fully autonomous spraying, ensuring precision application both day and night.
With FAA certification secured, Pelican 2 is now available for purchase at a starting price of $550,000.
Expanding Global Reach and Industry Impact
Pyka has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its autonomous aircraft worldwide. In 2023, the company partnered with Dole in Honduras to improve efficiency and precision in banana crop protection. In July 2024, Pyka secured a commercial agreement with SLC Agrícola, one of Brazil’s largest agricultural producers, for large-scale adoption of its technology. Additionally, Pyka delivered its aircraft to Heinen Brothers Agra Services, a major aerial application provider in North America, following its first FAA authorization.
As global food demand continues to rise, Pyka’s cutting-edge aerial application technology is set to drive efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability in agriculture.
Public Debut at World Ag Expo
Pelican 2 is set to make its public debut at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from February 11-13, 2025. It has been recognized as one of the 2025 Top-10 New Products Award winners by the International Agri-Center, further underscoring its impact on the agricultural industry.
