Pyka unveils Pelican 2, expands its presence in autonomous aerial agriculture

Pyka has unveiled its next-generation agricultural spray aircraft, Pelican 2, designed for enhanced productivity in the field. The aircraft features a 300-liter payload and can cover up to 90 hectares per hour, positioning it as a highly efficient autonomous electric agricultural aircraft.

The company has received FAA approval for the commercial operation of Pelican 2 in the United States, marking the second instance of Pyka securing approval for its uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products. Pelican 2 is now the largest UAS approved for commercial use by the FAA, following the original Pelican’s approval.

In addition to its U.S. approval, Pyka has secured an order for 20 aircraft in Brazil, a major agricultural market. This agreement will enable large-scale autonomous aerial operations, contributing to increased efficiency and potential cost savings for growers in the region.

Since launching its first commercial autonomous spray aircraft in 2021, Pyka has refined its technology to meet the needs of diverse agricultural environments. The Pelican 2 includes an upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system, a 300-liter payload capacity, and an 18-meter swath width, offering flexibility for different spray configurations and longer operational periods.

Additional features include dynamic droplet size adjustment to optimize chemical usage and minimize drift, five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets for continuous operation, and advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems for autonomous spraying day and night.

After its initial commercial operations with Dole in Honduras in 2023, Pyka expanded its market reach with agreements in Brazil and the U.S. with SLC Agrícola and Heinen Brothers Agra Services, respectively. These agreements reflect the growing use of autonomous technology in large-scale agricultural applications.

Pelican 2 will be displayed at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from February 11-13, 2025.

Pyka continues to develop autonomous electric aviation solutions, focusing on crop protection and cargo transport through its proprietary technology, including flight control software, electric propulsion systems, and advanced airframes.