Agriculture is taking a lead in the implementation of UAVs where the main purpose is to seek both economic and environmental optimization. Even though the introduction to this technology is just beginning, even more research centers and farmers are starting to take advantage of the usage of this type of aircraft. 

This is the case of the Volcani Center in Israel, which has recently acquired two Sniper Helicopters Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from Alpha Unmanned Systems for use in agricultural research. 

The Volcani Center serves as the research arm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the State of Israel. Their expertise in plant sciences, plant protection, environmental sciences and herd management; have made them referents for different countries around the world. 

Their constant research and innovation is what has made them gain a worldwide reputation, with remarkable achievements such as the development of Arid Zone Agriculture that has considerably benefited not just the Israeli industry, but also different farming communities all over the world. 

Now, they are turning their projects to precision farming which is becoming an important strategy for crop management and farming optimization. Drones are a perfect combination for carrying out this innovative method.

According to Victor Alchanatis of the Volcani Center: “We are delighted to include the latest UAV technology for agricultural monitoring and are very pleased to be working with Alpha in Spain. Alpha's products enable us to extend our research within budget and extend agricultural investigation using the latest UAV and imaging technology available." 

UAVs' small size makes them easier to operate and to hover even in difficult access areas. Plus they can fly near the plantation for a better capture of images and information, making it useable even when the weather conditions are not the best ones. Additionally, they can easily integrate different sensor and technology needed such as GPS for a more accurate procedure and also giving the farmer the information in real time for a quicker reaction to the crop needs. 

Plus the Sniper’s long autonomous flight times of 2 hours and proven reliability ensure that commercial grade applications can be developed and tested.