COMPUTER-CONTROLLED SPRAYING SYSTEM FOR AERIAL APPLICATION

By

Daniel E. Martin

Contact: Dr. Daniel Martin, Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS, 2771 F&B Road, College Station, TX 77845 email: dmartin@apmru.usda.gov

Abstract. A Gibsland GA fixed wing aircraft equipped with a computer-controlled, variable rate spraying system was field tested for automated on-off spray capability.  A rhodamine dye added to the spray tank deposited over a one millimeter cotton string was used to detect the commencement and cessation of application.  Field tests indicated that the automated spray system could cut on and off to within fifty feet of the desired location. Variable rate aerial application testing is underway and preliminary results of this research will be presented.

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Note:  A copy of the manuscript for this paper is not available at this time.  Please email the author to receive a copy.  dmartin@apmru.usda.gov