Unmanned Helicopters to Revolutionise Agricultural Industry

Media Release

16/9/2015

Unmanned Helicopters to Revolutionise Agricultural Industry

Yamaha Sky Division New Zealand represents the future of the agricultural industry. The introduction of the Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopters will enable property owners, licenced operators and contractors to maintain the land and crops remotely, from the air, and without the hassles that come with more traditional farming methods.

Weighing in at 99kg and at a total length of 3.63m and a height of 1.08m, each helicopter has a load capacity of 28kgs and runs on a 2 stroke, horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine. The newest member of the Yamaha Sky Division is the ultimate piece of farm machinery for the 21st century.

The versatility of this new technology means that operators can spray weeds, crops, or spread seed in a more cost effective and accurate manner. Because RMAX is completely airborne, terrain is no longer an issue. Spraying dangerous aquatic weeds or accessing uneven ground is all part of the package, and can be done in a time efficient way. Liquids and granules can be dispersed across a 400m range from the location of the operator, covering up to 2 acres in just 6 minutes depending on the target and payload.

The Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter has become the first drone to be certified for flight in New Zealand under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules. Coming into effect in August 2015, the new law establishes a framework for the safe operation of unmanned crafts in New Zealand. Yamaha Motor New Zealand received their operating certificate on the 1st August and wasted no time in conducting its first flight under the new CAA rule regime at its test site near Auckland.

A high-performance Global Positioning System (GPS) combined with the Yamaha Attitude Control System makes operation incredibly simple. These sophisticated technologies, combined with a highly capable operator, ensure that the Yamaha RMAX maintains consistent and controlled speeds in all directions, as well as excellent flight stability. It is this reliability that guarantees accurate and even spraying every time RMAX takes off.

The Yamaha RMAX is available for purchase for individual owners, as well as through leasing and franchises. This is the first time that users will be able to buy one of these technological marvels outright, including financing and insurance which Yamaha will cover for the buyer. New owners will be run through the CAA guidelines and pending approval will be able to operate their very own RMAX.

Yamaha Sky Division New Zealand General Manager, Darryl Lovegrove is excited about this agricultural innovation. “We’re proud to be releasing this new technology to a wide range of New Zealand industries,” Lovegrove enthused. “RMAX has the ability to increase productivity, whilst reducing the risks surrounding the use of traditional farming equipment in adverse conditions.”

Yamaha’s RMAX unmanned helicopters are an innovative and exciting addition to what is already an extensive catalogue of high quality products. Incorporating unparalleled performance with high quality safety systems, RMAX is truly the future of farming and land management.

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