Robinson Helicopter Company develops unmanned drone systems
The drone industry is shifting toward larger, fuel-injected models capable of longer flight times and higher payloads. The California-based Robinson Helicopter Company, which acquired Ascent AeroSystems in 2024, is working to develop unmanned helicopter systems. These drones are intended for commercial, emergency, and defense applications, including bushfire-fighting, equipment delivery, and surveillance for the mining, oil, and gas sectors.
In the agricultural sector, SPS Automation is developing drones for remote monitoring and delivery. Their technology includes two-stroke-powered autonomous machines originally designed for forestry spraying in New Zealand. The company's AC-170 model features a 70-kilogram payload capacity and can support a four-metre spray boom, operating similarly to a small helicopter.
Entities
AgQuip · Ascent AeroSystems · Robinson Helicopter Company · SPS Automation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The AC-170 model from SPS Automation has a 70-kilogram payload capacity and can carry a four-metre spray boom. www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] SPS Automation is developing drones capable of staying in the air for nearly 12 hours without a payload. www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Robinson Helicopter Company acquired Ascent AeroSystems to develop unmanned helicopter systems. www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Robinson expects to use drone technology for bushfire-fighting, equipment delivery, and surveillance in the oil, gas, and mining sectors. www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au · www.stockjournal.com.au · www.farmweekly.com.au