HAI HELI-EXPO 2024 in Anaheim, Calif. Rotor’s fly-by-wire system functions
via computers and multiple commu- nications links and onboard sensors. Neither UAV is rated to carry humans on board; they’re strictly remotely piloted vehicles. (Rotor says future aircraft may carry people, depending on market needs.) The company plans to boost output
to 25 aircraft next year for its first production run, with an initial focus on the US agriculture market, primarily in crop-spraying operations. In the future, Rotor sees commercial end users sup- porting an output of 50 to 100 aircraft each year. Customer field testing with two
Sprayhawks is set to commence this year, followed by formal deliveries in 2025. “The goal is to begin full-rate commercial operations for spray sea- son next year, which will begin in April or May,” Xu says. By focusing on a remotely piloted
platform, Rotor is avoiding the ambi- tious pursuit by some electric VTOL start-ups of certification for human- rated autonomous platforms to fly in populated areas and controlled air- space. The FAA is working to certificate several new eVTOLs from companies including Joby and Archer for passen- ger flights that could begin as soon as 2025. “We’re letting the tiger sleep,” Xu
wrote in an “Autonomy Manifesto” the company published on its website in January 2024, noting that the R550 will “operate in the fringes” of the US National Airspace System in mostly unpopulated areas such as crop fields.
Rotor’s Sprayhawk UAV is shown equipped
with a tank and boom during a test flight to apply chemicals to a field. The aircraft is meant to provide a more cost-effective means of field application work. (Rotor Technologies Photo)
BAMBIBUCKET.COM FIGHTING FIRES WITH
STRENGTH & RELIABILITY
AROUND THE GLOBE
Rotor is seeking various exemp-
tions to operate the aircraft under FAA Part 107 rules initially, with plans to fly under the future Part 108 rules the FAA is formulating to govern BVLOS flight.
Given some of the restrictions the
agency imposes for Part 107 flying, including an aircraft weight limit of 55 lb. (25 kg), Rotor will “have to navi- gate their way through the regulatory side of the house in order to put these
SEP 2024 POWER UP
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