FastFlight approval paves the way for the AirBorneAg drone project

With the AirBorneAg project, the Competence Centre for Digital Agriculture (KoDA) at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) aims to set new standards for the use of drone technology in Agriculture. The aim of the planned research project is to carry out central work steps in plant cultivation - such as sowing, fertilisation and plant protection - largely from the air in future. Only soil cultivation and seedbed preparation will remain the preserve of traditional agricultural machinery. AirBorneAg is thus pursuing a holistic approach that consistently rethinks existing processes and expands their potential.

Turbo approval with the FastFlight method

A decisive milestone was reached even before the final project approval was granted: the DJI Agras T50 spray drone has now received both the take-off and landing licences. The successful maiden flight on 27 January 2026 marks the operational starting point - and enables the project to be launched without delay once approval has been granted.

Focus on fertilisation

One focus of the research conducted by project manager Prof. Dr Patrick Noack is on drone-based fertiliser application. It raises new questions about lateral and longitudinal distribution and has so far been insufficiently compared with established, vehicle-based methods. AirBorneAg aims to close this research gap and create a valid scientific basis for the assessment and further development of this technology.

The successful approval process for the FastFlight procedure and the innovative project concept have already attracted national attention. In a recent press release, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy cites AirBorneAg as an example of pioneering authorisation procedures and the innovative use of drones in Agriculture.

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