Aerial vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerial vehicle (10). The aerial vehicle comprises a liquid chemical tank (20), at least one spray unit (30), a plurality of sensors (50), a processing unit (60), and an output unit (70). The liquid chemical tank is configured to hold a liquid chemical. The at least one spray unit is configured to spray the liquid chemical. At least one sensor (51) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a speed of the aerial vehicle relative to the ground. At least one sensor (52) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an air movement direction relative to the aerial vehicle with respect to a fore-aft axis of the aerial vehicle. At least one sensor (53) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an air movement speed relative to the aerial vehicle. The processing unit is configured to determine an air movement direction relative to a projection of the fore-aft axis onto the ground and determine an air movement speed relative to the ground, the determination comprising utilisation of the speed of the aerial vehicle, the air movement direction relative to the aerial vehicle with respect to the fore-aft axis of the aerial vehicle and the air movement speed relative to the aerial vehicle. The processing unit is configured to generate a spray record for an environment within which the aerial vehicle is operating, the spray record comprising: information over a time period of at least one spray condition relating to one or more of the at least one spray unit for the aerial vehicle operating within the environment over the time period, the determined air movement direction relative to the projection of the fore-aft axis onto the ground over the time period, and the determined air movement speed relative to the ground over the time period. The output unit is configured to output the spray record.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an aircraft. Background technique [0002] Spray drift caused by wind and gusts is a major problem in agricultural production. Spray droplets drift onto non-target surfaces such as within sensitive areas, on bystanders, bodies of water and adjacent fields. Spraying can only be done under certain relatively mild conditions, namely low wind speeds and because farmers cannot prove that their operations are reliable. [0003] It is necessary to solve this problem. Contents of the invention [0004] It would be advantageous to have a method of mitigating the effects of spray drift. [0005] The objects of the invention are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are included in the dependent claims. [0006] In one aspect, an aircraft is provided, comprising: [0007] liquid chemical tanks; [0008] at least one spray unit; [0009] multiple sensors; [0010] processing unit; and...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Spraying can only be done under certain relatively mild conditions, i.e. low wind speeds and because farmers cannot prove that their operations are reliable

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