Hylio’s ARES Drone: The 110-Pound Agricultural Workhorse Takes to the Skies

Hylio has launched its cutting-edge agricultural drone system, the HYL-150 ARES. Designed specifically for heavy-duty agricultural operations, this drone boasts significant payload and coverage capabilities, marking a potential turning point for large-scale farming.

The technical specifications of the HYL-150 highlight its emphasis on high-volume applications. It is capable of carrying a liquid payload of 110 pounds (equivalent to 13 gallons), alongside a similar weight capacity for solid products, with volume capabilities reaching up to 21 gallons. This powerful capacity leads to remarkable coverage: up to 50 acres per hour for liquid applications at a rate of 2 gallons per acre, and 120 acres per hour for solid applications at 20 pounds per acre.

Design Features and Versatility

Versatility is a significant design focus for the HYL-150. The system comes with interchangeable application systems: configurable hydraulic nozzles, rotary atomizers, and a rotary spreader device. With a swath width of 40 feet, a single drone can effectively treat hundreds of acres in a day. When in swarm configurations, multiple drones can cover thousands of acres daily.

Control systems for the drone amalgamate autonomous and manual operation through Hylio’s proprietary AgroSol ground control software. Operators can utilize a user-friendly interface to create treatment maps by drawing boundaries and marking obstacles. The NDAA-compliant Groundlink solution combines a Windows tablet with an RC controller, facilitating seamless shifts between autonomous and manual control of single or multiple drones.

Real-time monitoring is supported by an array of sensors designed to track essential metrics, including GPS positioning, flow rates, and altitude. All flight and treatment data is stored within user accounts, which allows access to maps and maintenance records through the Hylio interface.

Power Management and Compliance

Power management leverages Hylio’s 18S30Ah LiPo batteries crafted for demanding outdoor use. The battery system features a blade connector and locking mechanism for rapid and secure swapping, while the accompanying 18S 9KW LiPo Dual-Channel Charger can charge two batteries simultaneously within 20-25 minutes or a single battery in 10-12 minutes.

The HYL-150 ARES, manufactured in the U.S. with a blend of domestic and international components, is compliant with NDAA regulations, which is crucial for many agricultural operations and potential governmental applications. This drone builds on existing collaborations with notable institutions such as Texas A&M, USDA, and AgEagle.

HYL-150 ARES Specifications

• Payload Weight (Liquid): 110 lbs. (50 kg)
• Payload Volume (Liquid): 13 gal. (50 L)
• Payload Weight (Solid): 110 lbs. (50 kg)
• Payload Volume (Solid): 20 gal. (76 L)
• Productivity: Liquid: Up to 50+ acres/hour @ 2 GPA; Solid: Up to 120+ acres/hour @ 20 lbs/acre
• Flight Modes: Fully Autonomous, Position Hold Manual, Fully Manual GPS Denied
• Max Takeoff Weight: 220 lbs. (100 kg)
• Max Operating Speed: 45 mph. (72 kph)

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