Development and cost analysis of an unmanned aerial system for ultra-low volume applications

The use of an small-unmanned aerial platform retrofitted with a spraying system allows to realize applications on smaller targets and in a more precise way compared with conventional aerial applications. These accurate applications imply significant savings in inputs if chemicals are applied only in affected areas, and can contribute to avoid risks such as the exposure of operators to pesticides during treatments. In this context, this work aims at the design and development of an applicator system capable of being mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle for the application of an agrochemical and the subsequent analysis of the application costs. Once the equipment was developed and verified its response during the flight, the economic analysis of the application was carried out under real field conditions. For this purpose, a high-density olive orchard was established as a work scenario, on which different patterns and flight paths were studied, applying a low volume of a commercial phytosanitary product. These tests have taken into account parameters such as the quantity of product applied, the time performance, the cost, equipment depreciation, etc., comparing them with those of a conventional spraying equipment. The first results obtained indicate that there is no great difference in the application costs between the one realized by the aerial platform and the conventional equipment. It is hoped that the conclusions of this work will serve as a basis for debate about the existing legislation, in which this type of aerial works, which can be beneficial in specific cases, can be carried out under safe and legal conditions.