Technical Configurations of a Helicopter Type Unmanned Aerial System for Pesticide and Fertilizer Application

Abstract

It was noted that when forming the configurations of an unmanned aerial system for pesticide and fertilizer application, it is necessary to take into account the interdependence of unmanned and ground-based aerial systems. (Research purpose) To develop the configurations of an unmanned aerial system for pesticide and fertilizer application. (Materials and methods) The authors used Methodological recommendations on the use of chemicals in the precision farming system (VIM), regulatory and technical documentation for unmanned aerial systems. (Results and discussion) The authors developed a flowchart of the algorithm for forming the configurations of a helicopter type unmanned aerial system for fertilizer and pesticide application, including the formation of both unmanned and ground-based aerial systems. The authors calculated the aerodynamic characteristics of an unmanned coaxial rotor aircraft with a take-off weight of 280 kilograms and a payload of 100 kilograms. A modular-designed sprayer was offered. The authors substantiated the structure of the ground-based aerial complex in the form of a mobile transporter-tanker with a basic transport platform, lifting and transporting and refueling modules, and a universal ground control panel for the pilot-operator. (Conclusions) The authors formed reasonable configurations of a helicopter type unmanned aerial system for pesticide and fertilizer differentiated application in the precision farming system. Aircraft performance limitations were identified for the application of fertilizers and pesticides by a helicopter type unmanned aerial vehicle: the payload of at least 100 kilograms, the operating altitude of 1.0-1.5 meters when bypassing the agricultural field topography and avoiding possible obstacles, the operating airspeed kept below 60 kilometers per hour, automatic take-off and landing on a limited area, autoflight at the speed of 60 kilometers per hour at a one meter altitude in a tacking mode. It was showed that the static ceiling margin, without taking the earth influence into account, with a 280-kilogram flight mass, is 1300 meters, which allows flying in mountainous areas, for example, for the treatment of vineyards with pesticides.

Keywords

• unmanned aerial system
• technical configurations
• unmanned aerial vehicles
• ground-based aerial systems
• application of pesticides and fertilizers