Pyka, a manufacturer of autonomous electric aircraft for sustainable aviation, has introduced its latest agricultural spray aircraft, Pelican 2, marking a major advancement in autonomous electric aviation. With an expanded payload capacity of 300 liters and the ability to cover up to 90 hectares per hour, Pelican 2 stands as the world’s largest and most efficient autonomous electric agricultural aircraft.
Alongside this launch, Pyka has secured authorization from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the commercial operation of Pelican 2, marking the second time the company has received such approval for its uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products. This approval makes Pelican 2 the largest UAS ever cleared for commercial use by the FAA, further cementing Pyka’s position in the heavy-lift commercial drone sector.
Beyond the U.S., Pyka has also expanded its presence in Brazil, one of the world’s largest agricultural markets, with a substantial order for 20 aircraft. This order will enable large-scale autonomous aerial application operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for farmers across the country.
Enhanced Capabilities for Aerial Application
Since launching its first commercial autonomous spray aircraft in 2021, Pyka has consistently refined its technology to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. The Pelican 2 introduces several advancements aimed at improving reliability, performance, and efficiency in aerial application.
The aircraft features an upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system, providing increased reliability and power for demanding agricultural environments. Its expanded 300-liter payload allows for longer spray missions with fewer refills, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. The wider 18-meter swath width supports multiple spray boom configurations, including hydraulic nozzles and Pyka’s proprietary electric rotary atomizers, ensuring optimal spray coverage.
A key technological improvement in Pelican 2 is its dynamic droplet size adjustment, which optimizes chemical use while minimizing drift. This enhances the effectiveness of crop protection while reducing waste. The aircraft is also equipped with five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets, enabling continuous 24/7 operation without extended charging delays.
Additionally, advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems allow Pelican 2 to operate autonomously during both day and night, extending spray time and increasing overall efficiency. These features contribute to the aircraft’s ability to function in a variety of agricultural environments with minimal human intervention. With the FAA’s approval, Pelican 2 is now available for purchase from Pyka at a starting price of US$ 550,000.
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“We couldn’t be more excited to release Pelican 2. With nearly 5 years of commercial operation under our belt, this aircraft exhibits the reliability, performance and ease of operation that growers demand. I have no doubt that the features and operating economics of this aircraft will revolutionize aerial application, delivering meaningful cost-savings and spray results for growers.”
“Our customers have been instrumental in shaping this product. Through extensive real-world operations, we’ve perfected Pelican’s performance to exceed growers’ expectations. Spray quality, reliability and seamless operation are at the core of this aircraft, and no other system on the market comes close.”
Pyka’s Global Expansion and Key Partnerships
Pyka’s autonomous aircraft have already demonstrated their capabilities in agricultural operations worldwide. In 2023, the company partnered with Dole in Honduras, using its original Pelican aircraft to enhance efficiency and precision in banana crop protection. This successful deployment helped establish Pyka’s reputation as a key player in autonomous aerial application.
In July 2024, Pyka reached an agreement with SLC Agrícola, one of Brazil’s largest agricultural producers, to supply Pelican aircraft for large-scale agricultural operations. Following its initial FAA approval for commercial operations in the U.S., Pyka also delivered aircraft to Heinen Brothers Agra Services, one of North America’s largest aerial application providers.
With global food demand increasing, Pyka’s aircraft are positioned to help farmers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
Public Debut at World Ag Expo
Pelican 2 will make its first public appearance at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from February 11-13, 2025. The aircraft has already been recognized as a winner of the 2025 Top-10 New Products Award by the International Agri-Center, highlighting its impact on the agricultural industry.
