Drone Promises Advanced Data Collection

Drone Promises Advanced Data Collection As precision agriculture evolves, the right technology can make all the difference. To keep pace with innovation, Farm Eagle, a small Kansas-based start-up, is developing the “Prototype One-P1” drone, a cutting-edge solution designed to transform how farmers and agronomists gather critical crop management data. The fixed-wing prototype is built from a combination of polypropylene, carbon fiber and balsa wood, ensuring both durability and lightness, and features an 8-ft. wingspan. Removable wingtips add flexibility, and the use of both lithium polymer (LiPo) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries provides 90 min. of continuous flight at speeds up to 20 mph. “One of the main selling points is that the drone has longer endurance than any other options, plus I’m working on another battery to provide up to 3 hrs. of flight time,” says Farm Eagle founder Kale Macormic. While the prototype is a fixed-wing model, the Farm Eagle is also a hybrid capable of vertical takeoff and landing, so a runway isn’t required, making deployment possible in virtually any field condition. Macormic explains, “The Farm Eagle is more than just a flying machine; it’s a data-collection powerhouse.” The company offers a pair of sensor packages to meet diverse agricultural needs. The first is a multispectral imaging system that captures data across eight bands, enabling users to assess crop health, monitor vegetation indices (such as NDVI), detect disease and mold, and evaluate water and stress levels. With this information, agronomists can focus on specific areas of concern rather than walking entire fields, saving time and improving efficiency. The second sensor option is an advanced hyperspectral camera package that provides detailed insights into soil moisture, mineral content and organic matter before the planting season begins, giving farmers an edge in planning and resource management. The Farm Eagle can also be purchased without sensors, allowing for maximum customization. Macormic is building the prototype in Kansas and accepting pre-orders through his website with a 10% deposit. Deposit pricing starts at $1,200 for the drone alone, $3,000 for the multispectral package, and $6,000 for the hyperspectral system. “We’re focused on being a data collection platform, not into dispensing chemicals and doing other things that water down our capabilities,” Macormic says. “We’re ready to deliver the data-driven insights today’s farmer needs, with a focus on endurance, advanced sensing and user-friendly operation.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Farm Eagle, Lawrence, Kan. (ph 918-510-9847; kale@farmeagle.net; https://wordpress.farmeagle.net).

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