SciFi9000
Don't let progress get in the way of good paranoid policy!!! Everyone is an evil terrorist.. trust no one, ban all progress
Matthew Adams
This is a good idea. Time to adopt a good idea. ;)
Nairda
Seems like an ideal task for automation
Osty
"in built-up areas, rugged terrain, or mixed-use regions, it isn't feasible to distribute chemicals from a plane or helicopter " What are you on about please watch this..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6YJ3Of8Mcg
Nelson
And yet another job lost to technology.
Dan Lewis
Well THERE'S an obscene waste of time, right there! Arrest the UC Davis people for wasting time and money. The Japanese have been using RC copters for more than 10 years! Dishonest UC Davis. Shame on the lot of 'em!
Adam Wright
Nelson - Go back to your textile loom and be quiet.
holdenmidfield
Loaded up with about six assault weapons, a crazed farmer could give somebody a really bad day. Script writers in Hollywood are probably already working on it.
Martin Edge
Seems there really is no need for a pilot. The helicopter could easily be programmed to the GPS coordinates of the crop being sprayed. obstacles and hazards could be pre-loaded. The helicopter could even be programmed to return to a set location for refueling and even do it by itself. The land owner could make speed adjustments or other corrections from an app.
Intellcity
The US government still doesn't recognize the use of UAVs by civilians and until the law is changed in 2015, they must operate under very severe restrictions.
The first contest for UAVs was in 1937. They were not nearly as sophisticated as current models, using vacuum tube radios, for rudder only control. Modern models which range from very small – balance it on your finger, to ¼ and 1/3 scale models of real airplanes and include aerobatic helicopters .as well as all manner of airplanes.
Where is the line between radio controlled model airplanes and UAVs?