Drones take flight at Husker Harvest Days
Farming and ranching is ready for takeoff
September 17, 2015
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David Hendee
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Omaha World-Herald
Husker Harvest Days, an annual state fair of agricultural information and technology, launched its first demonstrations Tuesday of unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones.
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Among the five Nebraskan operations that have received FAA exemptions permitting them to operate the aircraft commercially is Midplains Ag of Elgin. Ryan Hemenway, an ag technology specialist, said the company purchased its aircraft for less than $30,000 in spring 2014.
The fixed-wing aircraft with an electric push motor was the solo performer during Tuesday’s drone demonstrations. Steady south winds of 20 mph — with gusts pushing 30 miles per hour — cut short some flights.
The fixed-wing aircraft with an electric push motor was the solo performer during Tuesday’s drone demonstrations. Steady south winds of 20 mph — with gusts pushing 30 miles per hour — cut short some flights.
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“It knows all the flight conditions around it,’’ he said. “The only thing it doesn’t have is eyeballs in front. The camera only looks straight down.’’ — Ryan Hemenway talks about the eBee