Pyka (US), a leader in autonomous electric aviation, has unveiled its next-generation agricultural spray aircraft, Pelican 2. Featuring an expanded 300-liter payload and a work rate of up to 90 hectares per hour, Pelican 2 with carbon composites airframes is the world’s largest and most productive autonomous electric agricultural aircraft.

Pyka has secured FAA authorization for commercial operation of Pelican 2 in the United States, making this the second time Pyka has gained a groundbreaking commercial approval for its uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products. Pelican 2 is the largest UAS ever approved for commercial use by the FAA, followed only by the original Pelican. This milestone reinforces Pyka’s leadership in heavy lift commercial UAS in the U.S. and globally.

In addition to its new product line, Pyka has secured a landmark order for 20 aircraft in Brazil, further solidifying its presence in one of the world's largest agricultural markets. This expansion will enable large-scale autonomous aerial application operations in Brazil, boosting efficiency and delivering unprecedented cost savings for the nation’s growers.

Since launching its first commercial autonomous spray aircraft in 2021, Pyka has continuously refined its technology to meet the demands of the world’s most challenging agricultural environments. The next-generation Pelican sets a new benchmark for efficiency and performance in aerial application with:

• Upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system for increased reliability and power
• Expanded 300-liter payload capacity for longer spray missions and fewer refills
• Wider 18-meter swath width, supporting multiple spray boom configurations, including hydraulic nozzles and proprietary electric rotary atomizers
• Dynamic droplet size adjustment to optimize chemical use and minimize drift
• Five hot-swappable lithium-ion battery sets, ensuring continuous 24/7 operation
• Advanced LIDAR and RADAR systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying, increasing efficacy and extending spray time. 

Expanding Global Reach

Pyka’s aircraft has already demonstrated its capabilities on a global scale. In 2023, Pyka launched successful commercial operations with Dole in Honduras, deploying Pelican to enhance efficiency and precision in banana crop protection. Building on this momentum, Pyka secured a landmark commercial agreement in July 2024 with SLC Agrícola, one of Brazil's largest agricultural producers, to deliver Pelican for large-scale agricultural use. Shortly after, following its first FAA authorization for commercial operation in the United States, Pyka delivered its aircraft to Heinen Brothers Agra Services, one of North America’s largest aerial application providers.

With global food demand rising, Pyka is poised to transform autonomous aerial application, delivering unprecedented efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability to farmers worldwide.