ADAMA and Tactical Robots partner to develop UAS for aerial spraying

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Global crop protection company ADAMA Ltd. has partnered with Israeli aerospace company Tactical Robotics Ltd. in a joint feasibility study for a High-Payload, UAS for aerial spraying.

Tactical Robotics has developed the Cormorant, which is a multi-role, compact, high payload, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS. Capable of carrying an effective payload of more than 500 kilograms (up to 764 kilograms including fuel), the UAS can perform a variety of tasks, from logistics and cargo services to fire-fighting and aerial spraying.

Through their collaboration, ADAMA and Tactical Robotics will collaborate to develop the Ag-Cormorant, which the companies describe as an innovative platform for aerial spraying. Using its expertise and knowledge of the agriculture industry, along with its “farmer-centric” approach dedicated for bringing valuable platforms and technologies to the farm ecosystem, ADAMA will guide the development direction and define the Ag-Cormorant capabilities.

ADAMA and Tactical Robotics say that the Ag-Cormorant's unmanned operation and unique design “promote a new standard of safety in aerial spraying,” as the UAS eliminates the risks of pilot injuries and exposed rotor accidents.

The UAS has a relatively low acoustic signature, and can fly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which greatly increases the available window for application. The UAS also enables better canopy penetration, drift reduction and variable rate application capabilities, thanks to its ability to adjust flight height and speed according to the mission in combination with unique aerodynamic properties.

“We believe that the Ag-Cormorant represents a new and improved method for aerial application and see the future potential of leveraging ADAMA's crop protection portfolio in combination with its unique capabilities,” says Dani Harari, SVP Strategy & Resources at ADAMA.

Rafi Yoeli, CEO, Tactical Robotics, Ltd., adds, “Cormorant's unique capabilities offer solutions to challenges in a variety of sectors and ADAMA's participation and vision are an important contribution to a valuable application for our Cormorant UAV.”