Hector Xu Launches Rotor Technologies for Autonomous Helicopters

Hector Xu, after facing challenges during night flights while learning to fly helicopters, founded Rotor Technologies in 2021 to develop unmanned helicopters. The company has created two autonomous Sprayhawks and plans to have up to 20 available for market next year, focusing initially on agricultural applications for pesticide and fertilizer spraying. A public flight test of the Sprayhawk is scheduled for November 20 at an agriculture aviation trade show in Texas, highlighting the increasing interest in unmanned aerial systems within the sector. Xu noted that the demand for crop dusting services revealed a significant untapped market for these technologies. The Sprayhawk, valued at nearly $1 million, features advanced navigation systems, including five cameras and laser-sensing technology, designed to improve safety and operational efficiency. The rotorcraft could also be utilized in disaster response and wildfire fighting, showcasing its versatility beyond agriculture.