As DJI prepares to unleash its much-anticipated T50 drone, we take a look at its predecessor, the AGRAS T40. Released in 2022, the T40 is an agricultural drone capable of spraying, mapping and spreading with a maximum payload of up to 50 kg. It can spray up to 52 acres in one flight hour,  making it a workhorse in virtually all farming conditions.

One of the qualities that makes the T40 a revolution in drone farming is its dual atomized centrifugal sprinkler. That means that each and every drop has high precision which translates to efficient fertilser use. DJI claims that due to precise variable spraying on rice crops, Chinese Firm Jiangsu Farming Group reduced its fertiliser consumption by 10% and increased wheat yield by 5% in 2021.

Add to that, the T40 has what is known as Active Phased Array Radar incorporated with a “binocular vision sensor system to provide 360-degree horizontal omnidirectional obstacle sensing, offering optimal security.” So, basically you will find it extremely difficult to crash this drone due to its awareness of its surroundings.

Its intelligence lets it detect distances of up to 50 metres, paving way for intelligent terrain following, smooth scaling and by-passing of multiple obstacles.

It pioneers a magnetic transmission design that isolates the pesticide from the motor, the result of which is a formidable increase of its durability.

It has been deployed by the Drone Solutions personnel in areas that include Honde Valley, Chiredzi, Rafingora  as well as Hwedza, to name a few, and in each instance it has proved to be a force to reckon with. It is more than able to cope with the blazing Kariba heat or properly withstand the Eastern highland chills due to the high durability of its core components. It is so durable, claims DJI, that it has withstood ageing, extreme weather conditions and corrosion tests, making it an asset one can rely on for the long run.

It is regarded among the best, all-round agro-drones in Zimbabwe due to its multi-functionality.

When it comes to revolutionising precision farming, one of drone solutions’ pilot Matthew Kufa is under no illusions about the T40’s qualities. With over 50 hours and 400 hectares logged on the T40 alone, coupled with over 100 flight hours in total, Kufa’s opinion, modestly, borders around professional.

“It’s one of the most capable and reliable aerial spraying drones there is at the moment. It really does fit the description of precision farming.”

Another of its features is that it can give real time feedback on the remainder of the liquid volume in the tank. It comes fully equipped with lights to provide night vision meaning missions can be carried out virtually 24/7.

When it comes to charging, the T40 utilises the D12000iE Multifunctional Inverter Generator which sees the 30 litre tank charging 47 batteries at a 1500W AC output. This monster will give your batteries a full charge in a time of nine minutes. The remote control itself can last for half a day, while the batteries can be switched mid-operation, meaning you do not have to call back the drone between operations.

It has a maximum take-off weight for spraying at 90 kg, while for spreading it stands at 101kg. Without a payload it can hover for around 18 minutes, with a full payload (spraying) it can hover for seven minutes, while primed for spreading it can hover for six minutes. The maximum spraying width at an operating altitude of 2.5 metres and flight speed of 7m/s is 11 metres.

The display screen is a 7.02 touch LCD with 1920X1200 resolution.

All in all, the AGRAS T40 stands in a class of its own when it comes to drone farming. It provides high stability, ensures long-term longevity due to its durability and its efficiency allows for cutting costs on fertiliser all the while improving on crop yield. The very definition of precision farming. ~ contact us at http://www.dronesolutions.co.zw