simon wiggins - desert channels queensland - utilising uav for weed control in hazardous...

Utilising UAV’s for weed control in hazardous environments

•Brief introduction

•Capabilities of agricultural UAV’s for Weed control

•Time and safety enhancements due to UAV’s

•Logistic considerations

•Future Opportunities and Applications

Our Partners

•PBE Pty Ltd holds the UAV certificate (1-Z2YUZ-01) with authorised operations of Aerial Photography, Aerial Survey, Aerial Spotting and Agricultural Operations. Licenced for line of sight only.

•Operated by Commercial Pilots with Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence and Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence

The UAV

• 99 kg take-off weight

• 246 cc motor producing 15 kW

• Length of 3.6 m, height 1 m width 0.9 m

• Operational payload 16 kg (de-rated for temperature)

• Computer stabilised, location accuracy, speed regulated and highly manoeuvrable

Time and Safety Enhancements

•All operations governed by CASA approved Operations Manual

•Reduced WH&S issues •No chemical spray on operators •Ability to work in high risk environments • Tailings dams • Steep sites • Spoil Dumps and rehabilitation/revegetation

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Advantages

•Accurate placement of chemicals

•Reduced Fatigue

•Highly mobile with rapid deployment

•Reduced equipment inventory reduces costs

• Training and skill maintenance costs are reduced

• Safety Management Systems are streamlined

Logistic Considerations

•Crew Size and Experience •Line of site range •Operational conditions •Transport and access

•Maximum capabilities

Low Difficulty - 1 Ha / 12 flying minutes High Difficulty – 1 Ha / 24 flying minutes

Future Opportunities and Applications

•Wider range of target species

• Integration with more machinery (flight techniques)

• Equipment durability

•More diverse sites

More Information

PBE Services (0429067150)

http://www.pipeboreexcell.com

Desert Channels Queensland (07 46580600)

http://www.dcq.org.au