MTOagric / Terminator

A proven spraying platform

Proven technology is the basis of the MTOagric / Terminator: integrating off-the-shelf solutions with the proven MTOsport 2017 aircraft ensures a smooth and reliable working system. AutoGyro engineered the rugged 'Agric' version around 2016, developed it into the more advanced 2017 model and then into the 'Terminator' version in 2021.

The 'Agric' is built on the MTOsport by fitting a complete pesticide delivery system to the rear seat frame, releasing pesticide via a 10 m boom. An engine-driven pump ensures reliable delivery at just the right pressure and flow rate — and, when twinned with the AgNav system, in just the right geospatial position. The MTOagric can spray from 1 to 40 litres per hectare.

Terminator — built for locust control

The 'Terminator' is a hardened version of the 'Agric', designed to handle the challenges of spraying large insect infestations such as locusts. It is a tough machine, built to withstand the hazards of flying within a swarm. Equipment includes an on-board clean-air breathing system for the pilot, a hardened windscreen, backup and redundant flight instrumentation, hardened air intakes and engine cooling systems, among other features. Pilot safety is our paramount concern.

Why a gyroplane?

Pesticides are expensive, so correct application is key:

• a fixed-wing aircraft is about 60% efficient in delivery because of its delivery height and speed — but it can cover large areas,
• a helicopter is about 85% efficient thanks to its lower delivery height, but rotor downwash causes uncontrolled dispersal; helicopters are also fuel-hungry and can be expensive to operate,
• a gyroplane is about 95% efficient because it has no rotor downwash, flies slowly and delivers the spray at the right density where it is needed.

A short landing area gives easy, fast access to a pesticide replenishment point. An appropriate sensor array used during the initial crop survey allows the collected data to be used for precise spraying of the corresponding areas, while the optional AgNav system handles dosing in flight, adjusting the spray precisely to speed and position. Gyroplanes do not necessarily replace helicopters or fixed-wing spray aircraft — they operate alongside them, depending on the task.

Main application areas:

• crop spraying over a highly precisely defined area,
• precise pesticide dosing via an intelligent GPS link to the spray control,
• a hardened version for locust control, with special equipment for flight within swarms,
• optional floats for over-water or swamp operations (e.g. mosquito control).