The Sentera PHX drone is a cutting-edge fixed-wing drone designed to revolutionize the way you collect aerial imagery. With its advanced Double 4K sensor and long-range omnidirectional communication link, you can cover more acres in less time and access detailed analytics with ease. The PHX is hot-swappable, allowing you to switch out different sensor types, including the ultra-precise RTK GPS Double 4K sensor payloads, making it a versatile tool for various agricultural applications.
In today's precision agriculture landscape, the need for efficient and accurate data collection is paramount. The Sentera PHX drone addresses this need by providing a robust and reliable platform for capturing high-resolution aerial imagery. Its long flight time, wide coverage area, and seamless integration with data management software make it an invaluable asset for farmers looking to optimize their operations and improve yields.
Key Features
The Sentera PHX drone boasts several key features that set it apart from other aerial imaging solutions. Its efficient data collection capabilities allow you to capture orthomosaic-quality data over 300+ acres per battery, significantly reducing the time and resources required for data acquisition. The hot-swappable payloads enable you to quickly switch between different sensor types, adapting to various data collection needs without the need for specialized tools or technical expertise.
The drone's seamless integration with Sentera FieldAgent™ web, mobile, and desktop software streamlines the data processing and analysis workflow. This integration allows you to easily access, analyze, and share the data collected by the drone, enabling you to make informed decisions based on real-time insights. The long-range communication link ensures a stable connection for up to 2+ miles (3.2 km) visual line of sight, providing reliable data transmission even in challenging environments.
The durable construction of the Sentera PHX drone, made with expanded polypropylene, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber, ensures its resilience in demanding agricultural environments. The user-friendly Fly PHX app simplifies flight planning with boundary import, live camera status, and a pre-flight checklist, making operation straightforward for both experienced and novice users. The autonomous flight capabilities, powered by a MAVlink-based Senthawk Autopilot with custom PX4 Flight Control Software, enable automated mission execution, further enhancing the drone's efficiency and ease of use. Finally, the real-time analytics capabilities provide live HD video, still images, and analytics such as stand counts, weed locations, and plant health (with appropriate sensors) for immediate insights, allowing for timely intervention and optimized resource allocation.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 59 minutes |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2 kg) |
| Coverage | 300+ Ac/hr |
| Cruise Speed | 35 mph (16 m/s) |
| Wind Resistance | 28 mph (12.5 m/s) |
| Wingspan | 4.5 ft (1.4 m) |
| Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight | 4.8 lbs (2.2 kg) |
| Typical Operating Altitude | < 400 ft AGL |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 18,000 ft MSL |
| Battery | Smart Lithium polymer (9,000 mAh, 99Wh, 11.1V) |
| Communication Range | 2+ miles (3.2 km) visual line of sight |
| Accuracy | Up to 3cm with RTK GPS |
| Sensors | Sentera Double 4K and 65R sensors |
Use Cases & Applications
The Sentera PHX drone has a wide range of use cases and applications in agriculture. Farmers can use it for crop health monitoring to identify areas of stress or disease, allowing for targeted interventions. Plant counting is another valuable application, enabling farmers to accurately assess plant density and make informed decisions about planting and thinning. Weed detection is also a key use case, allowing for targeted herbicide application and reduced chemical usage.
Beyond these core applications, the Sentera PHX drone can also be used for high-resolution imaging for detailed surveys and 3D reconstructions, providing valuable insights into field topography and drainage patterns. Elevation mapping and volumetrics are also possible, enabling farmers to assess soil erosion and manage water resources effectively. The drone's versatility extends beyond agriculture, with applications in monitoring of natural resources, infrastructure inspection, disaster assessment and response, and surveying large conservation or remote areas.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Efficient Data Collection: Captures orthomosaic-quality data over 300+ acres per battery. | Weather Dependency: Like all drones, performance is affected by adverse weather conditions. |
| Hot-Swappable Payloads: Accepts different sensor types, including RTK GPS Double 4K sensor payloads. | Regulatory Restrictions: Drone operation is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. |
| Seamless Data Management: Integrates with Sentera FieldAgent™ web, mobile, and desktop software. | Battery Life: While flight time is substantial, it is still limited by battery capacity. |
| Long-Range Communication: Utilizes a long-range omnidirectional communication link. | Initial Investment: The cost of the drone and sensors can be a significant upfront investment. |
| Durable Construction: Made with expanded polypropylene, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber. |
Benefits for Farmers
The Sentera PHX drone offers numerous benefits for farmers, including time savings, cost reduction, and yield improvement. By providing timely and accurate data, the drone enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste. The drone's efficient data collection capabilities also save time and labor costs, allowing farmers to focus on other critical tasks. Furthermore, the drone's ability to detect crop stress and disease early on enables farmers to take proactive measures to prevent yield losses, ultimately improving overall productivity and profitability.
Integration & Compatibility
The Sentera PHX drone is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing farm operations. Its compatibility with Sentera FieldAgent™ web, mobile, and desktop software ensures a streamlined data processing and analysis workflow. The drone is also compatible with various GIS and precision agriculture platforms, allowing for easy integration into existing farm management systems. This integration enables farmers to leverage the data collected by the drone in conjunction with other data sources, providing a comprehensive view of their operations and facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The Sentera PHX drone captures high-resolution aerial imagery using its advanced Double 4K sensor. This data is then processed to create orthomosaics, NDVI maps, and 3D models, providing valuable insights into crop health, stand counts, and other agricultural metrics. The drone's autonomous flight capabilities and user-friendly software streamline the data collection process. |
| What is the typical ROI? | By providing timely and accurate data, the Sentera PHX drone enables farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. This can lead to significant cost savings through optimized resource allocation and improved yields, resulting in a substantial return on investment. |
| What setup is required? | The Sentera PHX drone is designed for easy setup and deployment. The process involves assembling the drone, installing the necessary sensors, and configuring the flight plan using the Fly PHX app. No specialized tools or extensive technical expertise are required. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Regular maintenance of the Sentera PHX drone includes cleaning the sensors, inspecting the airframe for damage, and ensuring that the batteries are properly charged and stored. A routine check of the propellers and motors is also recommended to maintain optimal performance. |
| Is training required to use this? | While the Sentera PHX drone is designed for ease of use, training is recommended to maximize its capabilities and ensure safe operation. Sentera offers training programs that cover flight planning, data acquisition, and data processing techniques. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The Sentera PHX drone integrates seamlessly with Sentera FieldAgent™ web, mobile, and desktop software for streamlined data processing and analysis. It is also compatible with various GIS and precision agriculture platforms, allowing for easy integration into existing farm management systems. |
Pricing & Availability
Complete PHX Ag scouting systems started at $8,499 in 2019. Current pricing may vary based on configuration, implements, and region. Lead times may also apply. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and availability information, contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
