Rotor Technologies is stepping up the UAV game with the launch of two monster drones designed for the construction and agriculture industries. The Airtruck and Sprayhawk, both modeled after the Robinson R44 helicopter, are officially the largest civilian drones you can buy, each tipping the scales at a hefty 2,500 pounds max takeoff weight.
The Airtruck is built for heavy lifting, boasting a payload capacity north of 1,000 pounds. Sprayhawk, on the other hand, is all about precision agriculture, packing a 110-gallon spray tank to cover vast fields in a single flight. Both drones are primed to reshape how industries approach large-scale tasks, offering unprecedented capabilities in the UAV space.
“These two aircraft bear unprecedented capability that will be transformative for drone operators, who for many years have wanted longer flight times and larger payloads,” said Rotor CEO Hector Xu. “With the unveiling of the Airtruck and Sprayhawk, we’re excited to bring drone manufacturing back to the United States – by being bigger, bolder, and more innovative than our global competition.”
In collaboration with Robinson Helicopter, Rotor showcased a pre-production prototype of the Airtruck—formerly known as the R550X—at HeliExpo earlier this year, generating buzz among industry watchers.
The first Sprayhawk is already out of the factory and undergoing ground tests, with its first mission set for an agricultural partner in the US Midwest later this year. Full production will see 15 Sprayhawks and 10 Airtrucks rolled out, with deliveries starting in late 2025. Both drones are now available for order in the US and Brazil, with introductory prices of $850,000 for the Airtruck and $990,000 for the Sprayhawk—if you order before December 15, 2024.
Ben Frank, Rotor’s Chief Commercial Officer, made it clear the company is targeting industries that demand more from their drones. “We think that the Sprayhawk and Airtruck are the right path forward for US farmers, aerial applicators, and the construction and logistics industries,” said Frank. “Many of the drones on the market today are unlikely to stand the test of time. The need for larger and more reliable aircraft is clear, and our new slogan, ‘Big Drones for Tough Jobs,’ will show the world that we mean business.”
Rotor Technologies is banking on these heavyweight UAVs to set a new standard for industrial drones, offering serious firepower for the tasks that matter most.
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