Pyka, a leader in the development of large-scale autonomous electric aircraft, has taken a major step toward reshaping the future of agricultural aviation. On September 4, 2025, the company announced a U.S. distribution agreement with Heinen Brothers Agra Services and its subsidiary Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems. This partnership officially designates them as the first distributor in the United States for Pyka’s Pelican® 2 autonomous crop protection aircraft, marking a new chapter in how advanced aerial technologies are brought to American growers.
Pelican® 2 — A technological leap in ag aviation: The Pelican® 2 is widely recognized as the world’s largest and most powerful autonomous agricultural aircraft. Authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial operations, it has a unique combination of scale, payload, and autonomy. The aircraft can carry an 80-gallon payload, cover up to 222 acres per hour, and complete missions with minimal human input thanks to its fully integrated robotics and flight software stack. It runs on clean electric propulsion, combining environmental responsibility with practical field efficiency.
Significance of the partnership: By bringing Heinen Brothers Agra Services and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems on board, Pyka gains a trusted partner with decades of experience in agricultural aviation, a deep customer base across the Midwest, and strong safety credentials. The agreement ensures that U.S. growers will have direct access to the Pelican® 2 along with support, training, and service infrastructure managed by industry veterans. The collaboration was officially launched during the Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems Field Day in Seneca, Kansas, where state officials, farmers, and industry leaders witnessed the unveiling.
Leadership perspectives: Volker Fabian, Chief Commercial Officer at Pyka, called the partnership a “major milestone” and emphasized how Heinen Brothers’ operational track record and commitment to innovation make them the ideal distributor. Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, added that the Pelican® 2 is a “leap forward in agricultural aviation,” pointing to its unmatched payload, autonomy, and field reliability as essential for meeting modern farming challenges. These statements reflect the joint vision of modernizing crop protection through automation.
Broader industry impact: The entry of Pelican® 2 into the U.S. market arrives at a critical time when agriculture faces mounting pressure to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact. Conventional aerial application methods often rely on fossil fuels and human pilots exposed to risk. Pyka’s autonomous electric approach provides a safer, cleaner, and more precise alternative, reducing chemical drift and energy costs. For small and mid-size farms, the scalability of Pelican® 2 can also lower barriers to accessing aerial crop protection services.
Key features of Pelican® 2 that set it apart include:
- Large payload capacity: 80 gallons per trip, enabling fewer refills and more efficient coverage.
- High operational efficiency: Ability to treat up to 222 acres per hour.
- Autonomous navigation: Advanced flight control software with pre-programmed mission capabilities.
- Clean propulsion: Fully electric system reducing emissions and operating costs.
- Safety and reliability: FAA-authorized, with proven performance in rigorous trials.
About Pyka: Headquartered in Alameda, California, Pyka designs and manufactures autonomous aircraft equipped with carbon fiber composite airframes, proprietary avionics, and electric propulsion systems. The company integrates its entire robotics stack in-house, covering flight control software, hardware, and systems integration, making it one of the few players capable of delivering mission-ready, certified autonomous aircraft at scale.
About Heinen Brothers Agra Services & Kelly Hills: Based in Seneca, Kansas, Heinen Brothers Agra Services is a full-service ag retailer offering aerial and ground-based crop protection services across multiple states. In 2024, they launched Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to explore cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, including drones and unmanned aerial systems. By collaborating with Pyka, they are cementing their role as pioneers in adopting and distributing next-generation autonomous technologies.
Looking ahead: The first deliveries of Pelican® 2 aircraft are scheduled for the coming months. Industry observers expect this partnership to accelerate the adoption of autonomous crop protection aircraft in U.S. agriculture, setting the stage for wider integration of robotics and electrification in farming. With Pyka’s continued innovation and Heinen Brothers’ deep-rooted trust among growers, the collaboration may serve as a model for future agri-tech partnerships across the globe.
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