Irrespective of previous resistance Remotely-Piloted Aerial Spray Systems (RASS) are currently in use in the USA. There is however, a paucity information about the distribution of that spray in swath and the potential for off target losses. The flow field around an aerial vehicle is one of the most important factors affecting spray distribution. The flow field and resultant spray deposition will vary as the operational parameters and the environmental inputs change.  Experiments have been and are currently being conducted to measure the spray distribution under an array of different biotic and abiotic conditions. The abiotic inputs were forward speed and altitude whilst the biotic were atmospheric conditions. Although it is understood that nozzle type and placement is important at this stage we are working with commercial systems as they stand.  Wind speed, direction temperature and humidity measures were taken as a record of meteorological inputs. The flow field and spray deposition were measured in swath via wireless air velocity sensors, Mylar cards and Water Sensitive Papers placed perpendicular to the line of travel. Downwind deposition and flux sensors were placed downwind as a measure of drift. This presentation will discuss the results of these experiments and maybe implications for future research and sprayer optimization.

Influence of operational and environmental conditions on spray deposition, uniformity and transport with remotely-piloted aerial spray systems (RASS)

256th National Meeting (2018)

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