ALAMEDA, Calif. - Pyka, Inc. announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized the Alameda, Calif. company's Pelican 2 for commercial operation in the United States. Pyka says its Pelican 2 is the largest uncrewed aerial system (UAS) ever approved for commercial use. The approval marks the second time Pyka has received FAA clearance for one of its UAS products, following the original Pelican.
In addition to the U.S. approval, Pyka has secured an order for 20 aircraft in Brazil, expanding its presence in one of the world’s largest agricultural markets. The deal will support large-scale autonomous aerial application operations in the country.
"We couldn't be more excited to release Pelican 2," said Pyka’s co-founder and CEO Michael Norcia. "With nearly five years of commercial operation under our belt, this aircraft exhibits the reliability, performance, and ease of operation that growers demand."
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The next-generation Pelican features an upgraded four-motor electric propulsion system, a 300-liter payload capacity, and an 18-meter swath width supporting multiple spray boom configurations. It also includes advanced lidar and radar systems for fully autonomous day-and-night spraying.
"Our customers have been instrumental in shaping this product," said Volker Fabian, Pyka’s chief commercial officer. "Spray quality, reliability, and seamless operation are at the core of this aircraft, and no other system on the market comes close."
