Press Releases

Inspired by Robinson Helicopter's "Climb Higher" Series, the Video Highlights Innovative Crop Protection Methods

Torrance, CA and Chile, South America – January 7, 2025  – Aerotoscana, an official ambassador of Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, has released a new video showcasing the innovative ways the Robinson R66 helicopter is revolutionizing crop protection in Chile. Inspired by RHC's "Climb Higher" video series, the video highlights how Aerotoscana utilizes the R66 to effectively dry cherries after rainfall, preserving their delicate texture and flavor. 

Available on Robinson Helicopter’s Instagram Channel, Aerotoscana’s mission is enhancing crop protection, using the downwash generated by the R66’s rotors to remove excess moisture. This makes the R66 better suited for delicate agriculture applications such as cherry drying, where the risk of crop damage from other helicopters is higher. 

“Apart from the Robinson R66, no other aircraft can manage this type of mission without higher costs and further damage to the crops,” said Felipe Reitz, founder of Aerotoscana. “Aerotoscana was born from a passion for aviation, and our partnership with Robinson Helicopter allows us to offer our clients the most advanced and reliable aerial solutions available,” added Maria Jesús Ardura, marketing manager of Aerotoscana.

Chile's agriculture industry faces unique challenges due to its climate, particularly during the rainy season. Excess moisture can lead to spoilage and reduce the quality of cherries, and traditional drying methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Aerotoscana's R66 helicopter offers a more efficient and productive solution due to its:

• Compact size: Allowing for landings in hard-to-reach locations within orchards.
• Enhanced safety features: Providing a secure and reliable platform for aerial operations.
• Low operating costs: Making it an economically viable solution for farmers.
• Advanced systems: Enabling precise and efficient aerial drying techniques.

“The R66's versatility and credibility make it an ideal platform for a wide range of aerial applications, including precision agriculture,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “The positive impact achieved by Aerotoscana in the Chilean agricultural sector underscores the power of technology and innovation to overcome critical challenges."

Agriculture businesses worldwide are increasingly turning to Robinson helicopters to improve operational efficiency, due to unmatched reliability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. From South America to South Australia, Robinson helicopters have become invaluable for a variety of missions, from crop dusting and fertilization to livestock herding and aerial surveying. The company’s robust design and simple operation make them ideal for demanding agricultural environments, while competitive pricing and straightforward maintenance schedules ensure cost-effectiveness and minimize downtime. 

"Farm to table, Robinson is how hard agriculture work gets done," Smith added.

For more information, visit here.

About Robinson Helicopter Company

For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com.

About Aerotoscana

Aerotoscana is a leading provider of aerial solutions in Chile, with a focus on agriculture, air tourism, and projects such as heli-skiing and heli-fishing. With its Robinson R66 Turbine Marine helicopter, the operation is committed to using the latest technology and techniques to deliver safe, efficient, and personalized services to clients.

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Contact:

Robyn E. Eagles
Robyn.eagles@robinsonheli.com
323-547-5102