Yamaha has announced the inaugural commercial operation of its RMAX remotely piloted helicopter for agriculture spraying service in the U.S. The RMAX flight was completed in California for Napa-based Silverado Farming Company, a vineyard management company. During its debut the RMAX applied a fungicide for preventative control of powdery mildew, one of the most common fungal diseases affecting grapes and many other crops. For Yamaha, the U.S. debut of RMAX commercial services for the agricultural industry marks the culmination of several years working with the FAA to receive appropriate certifications, as well as extensive field research with the University of California, Davis. A representative from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation was on hand to witness the Yamaha inaugural commercial spray application with RMAX this week in Napa Valley.
They have been working toward this U.S. milestone for RMAX since 2012, when our research partnership with UC Davis began, said Brad Anderson, a market development manager for the Yamaha Unmanned Systems Division. It is gratifying to have earned support from both the aviation and agricultural communities. RMAX provides a unique and effective solution for spray applications, particularly for grape growers with vineyards on slopes or difficult terrain. In April 2016 Yamaha opened a new office at the Napa County Airport to support RMAX commercial spray services for growers primarily located in Napa and Sonoma counties. The Napa office is dedicated exclusively to supporting RMAX spraying services for agricultural industry clients. RMAX is the only licensed unmanned aerial system (UAS) in Napa. Brittany Pederson, a professional pest control adviser and viticulturist for Silverado Farming Company, said the RMAX provides a promising solution for grape growers in California wine country. They followed the UC Davis research trials, evaluations and protocols.
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
