American Drone Network partners with SprayTec to address payload limits in agricultural drones

American Drone Network has partnered with SprayTec to introduce crop input formulations designed for drone-based aerial application.

The agreement focuses on concentrate spray products that reduce application volumes by 60% to 75% compared with conventional formulations. Agricultural drones typically carry between 10 and 26 gallons of liquid, far below the 300 to 1,200 gallons used in manned aircraft and ground rigs. At standard application rates of 10 to 15 gallons per acre, drones can cover roughly 1.5 to 2.6 acres per load. The lower-volume formulations reduce application rates to 2 to 5 gallons per acre, extending coverage to as much as 13 acres per load.

The move addresses a core limitation in drone spraying, where frequent refilling can account for a substantial share of operating time and constrain daily output. By increasing acreage per flight, operators may be able to take on larger contracts and reduce labor and logistics costs tied to water handling.

SprayTec said its formulations were developed for low-altitude, low-speed drone applications, using surfactants and droplet control to maintain performance at reduced volumes. The product line includes adjuvants, compatibility agents and plant health inputs.

The companies also plan to provide training on mixing and application practices, reflecting differences between concentrate and conventional spray systems. Misapplication risks, including inconsistent dosing, remain a consideration in low-volume operations.

Beyond productivity gains, lower spray volumes could reduce water use per treated acre and cut the amount of material transported to field sites. That may be relevant as growers face tighter water availability in some regions and increasing scrutiny around input use and drift.

The partnership follows American Drone Network’s acquisition of CropFlight, a compliance and flight-logging platform, and a separate agreement with Brandt to expand access to crop protection products. The company expects further additions to its network as it builds out services for drone operators.