Hylio
The Hylio AG-272 is the largest US-manufactured NDAA-compliant spray drone, carrying 68 liters (18 gallons) with 272 kg of thrust. Built in Richmond, Texas, it is compliant with FY2019 NDAA Section 889 and FY2020 Section 848. Wind resistance of 25 mph sustained exceeds DJI at 13.4 mph. Estimated pricing is $55,000 to $75,000, roughly 2 to 3 times the DJI T50.
The Hylio AG-272 is the largest US-manufactured NDAA-compliant spray drone in active production, built entirely in Richmond, Texas with SpektreWorks Blue Cube or ARK Electronics flight controllers and Hylio proprietary firmware. Its 68-liter (18 gallon) liquid tank and 68-liter (101 kg) granular capacity put it between the DJI T50 and T100 in payload class. Eight rotors produce 272 kg of thrust, giving the AG-272 a 181 kg (399 lb) MTOW. Swath width runs 9 to 12 meters (30 to 40 feet) with an 11 L/min flow rate through TT11003 nozzles. The AG-272 wind resistance at 25 mph sustained (40 mph gust) significantly exceeds DJI rated 13.4 mph, a meaningful advantage in Great Plains and Delta environments. Dual 14S 42 Ah LiPo batteries (approximately 2,176 Wh each) provide approximately 8 to 10 minutes of full-payload flight time with 25 to 30 minute charge times. IP55 rated. Swarm capability allows up to three AG-272 units to operate simultaneously from a single GroundLink ground station. MSRP is not published; Hylio uses an online configurator at configurator.hyl.io. Estimated pricing based on industry analysis is $55,000 to $75,000, roughly 2 to 3 times the DJI T50.
Best for
Operators needing NDAA compliance for federal/state contracts, Great Plains operations with high wind, fleet operators using swarm capability
Official resources
Two reasons: NDAA compliance and wind performance. If you work federal, state or NDAA-restricted contracts, DJI products are excluded. The AG-272 also handles 25 mph sustained wind versus 13.4 mph for the T50, which matters in Kansas, Oklahoma and the Dakotas where daily wind averages exceed DJI limits for much of the spray season.
Hylio does not publish MSRP. Industry estimates put the AG-272 at $55,000 to $75,000, roughly 2 to 3 times the DJI T50 pre-tariff price. Post-tariff DJI pricing has narrowed this gap significantly. Use the configurator at configurator.hyl.io for a custom quote based on your battery, nozzle and accessory selections.
Swarm mode allows up to three AG-272 units to operate simultaneously from a single Hylio GroundLink ground station, tripling field throughput with one pilot. You need it if your daily acreage target exceeds what a single drone can cover (roughly 300 to 500 acres per day per unit) and you want to reduce per-pilot labor cost.
Parts availability and dealer service network for Hylio is smaller than DJI. Replacement parts ship from Richmond, Texas; DJI parts are stocked by dozens of US dealers. Operators running Hylio in remote locations should carry a spare parts kit (props, motor, ESC, nozzles) because overnight shipping from Texas adds downtime during peak spray season.
Yes, under EQIP Practice Code 595 (Precision Agriculture) in states where drone equipment is an approved practice. NDAA compliance does not affect EQIP eligibility, but some state NRCS offices give preference scoring to US-manufactured equipment. Check with your local NRCS field office for state-specific rules.
Corn Belt leader · 80,000+ acres serviced
AgriForce Drone Services is a full-service agricultural drone applicator based in central Iowa, serving the Corn Belt since 2020. FAA Part 107 and Part 137 certified fleet of 8 drones. Specializing in corn fungicide at tassel, soybean applications and fall cover crop seeding. Record: 1,200 acres treated in a single night.
Delta cotton & soybean specialist · 6 drones
Delta Ag Drone Services is the leading drone applicator in the Mississippi Delta, specializing in cotton defoliation, soybean fungicide and rice applications. Operating 6 drones with 12 certified pilots, we service farms from 40 to 10,000 acres across Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Same-day response for wet-field emergencies.
Nebraska wheat & corn · NDAA-compliant fleet
Great Plains Drone Co. operates an NDAA-compliant fleet of Hylio AG-272 drones across Nebraska, South Dakota and Kansas. We serve large-scale grain producers with corn and wheat fungicide applications, and offer fall cover crop seeding programs across the northern Plains. Minimum booking: 40 acres. No travel charge within 100 miles.
Georgia & Southeast cotton defoliation expert
Southern Skies Ag Drone specializes in cotton defoliation, peanut desiccation and corn fungicide across Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Our 5-drone fleet handles soft Delta soils and sensitive neighboring crops where airplane applicators decline to fly. Defoliant season (Sept to Oct) books fast, reserve your window in July.
American-made NDAA-compliant ag drones & operator network
Hylio designs and manufactures the AG-272, the leading NDAA-compliant agricultural spray drone in the United States and supports a national network of certified Hylio operators. The company provides sales, training and operator support for federal programs, defense-adjacent ag operations and buyers requiring US-manufactured drone equipment.
Texas cotton, brush control & winter wheat
Texas Ag Drones LLC is one of the largest ag drone operations in Texas, with a 7-drone fleet covering cotton, grain sorghum, winter wheat and pasture brush control. We specialize in cotton defoliant applications in the Rolling Plains and South Texas, and handle mesquite and cedar brush control in rangeland where ground equipment cannot reach.
Iowa-based ag technology company (est. 1995 as Western Iowa GPS) partnered with Hylio. Top Ag Leader Blue Delta Dealer expanding into spray drone technology.
Founded 2020 by four fourth-generation Minnesota farmers. Exclusive Hylio dealer. Sprayed over 9000 acres in 2025. Listed on MN DOT commercial operators list.
Established aerial application company, parent of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems. Bridging traditional ag aviation with drones.
Nebraska farmer-operator using Hylio drones with FAA swarming exemption.
Authorized Hylio dealer. Also manufactures drone trailers and Green Lightning nitrogen system.
Dual DJI and Hylio authorized dealer in TX Panhandle. Full service from sales to spraying.
Employee-owned precision technology dealer. Key Mountain West hub for ag drone sales. Has physical offices in CO, MT, ID and serves additional states.
Colusa County rice and almond farmer and early adopter of Hylio spray drones in Northern California. Also VP of Business Development at Hylio Inc.
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