It’s a bird, it’s a plane, wait no it’s a drone

Clouds might be the only thing filling the sky over Kiwi farms if drone manufacturer Aeronavics has anything to do with it.

The Raglan-based firm produces custom-built unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) complete with onboard video cameras capable of transmitting a live feed to the operator.

Former telecommunications professional Linda Bulk and partner Rob Brouwer, an ex-pilot, started the company with a focus on providing cinematographers and media personnel with airborne cameras.

The devices are used for things like bird’s-eye views of herd animals and aerial shots.

“We saw the potential in the agricultural sector and, in the US and Europe, we’ve experienced a lot of success,” said Bulk.

The drones, ready to fly from $12,000, are constructed from materials such as carbon fibre, which allow for a maximum flight speed of 80km/h.

A payload of a kilogram means the smaller drones can be fitted with sound producing devices and used for tasks such as herding sheep and inspecting stock.

“It’s a pretty grunty little thing,” said Bulk.

“In optimal conditions, it has a battery life of up to 40 minutes.”

John Greenhead, a trustee in several blocks of land near Waiuru, said that while the technology is intriguing, he would hesitate to buy one just yet.

“There’s a lot of wind and turbulence off the pinnacles near our land, so I’d want to be sure it could handle the conditions.”

Greenhead said he would wait until the price came down before investing in an Aeronavics drone.

“It’s a lot of money to have it crash,” he said.

“Too expensive for a bit of fun.”