Aeronave Remotamente Pilotada (RPA) para aplicação de agrotóxico

The use of remote systems for the application of pesticides is growing, however, there is a lack of studies related to the subject. The present work aimed to develop and evaluate a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for the application of pesticides. Initially, the RPA was designed, and it was built with 5 mm extruded polystyrene and t7 Styrofoam. After the construction of the RPA, a hydraulic spraying system consisting of a hydraulic pump was installed; Tank with capacity of 0.350 L and Jacto® spray nozzles, empty cone, model JD12P. Subsequently, application efficiency tests were carried out. An experiment was set up, under laboratory conditions, in a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme (3x7), three flight heights (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 m) and seven positions of water sensitive papers in the soil ( -1.5; -1.0; -0.5; 0.0; +0.5; +1.0 +1.5 m). The sprayer was previously checked for liquid flow and flight speed, which presented values ​​of 0.160 L min-1 per spray nozzle and flight speed of 20 km h-1, respectively. The sprays were carried out at these heights, at the 0.0 position. The reference with a negative sign refers to the left-hand position of the travel direction and the positive signs to the right-hand position of the travel direction. After spraying, the tags were scanned and submitted for analysis. The RPA showed better target deposition characteristics when operated at a flight height of 1 m. The system allows application in areas located mainly in large perennial plants.