ZenaTech Initiates US Flight Testing of ZenaDrone 1000 in Arizona

ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) has announced that its subsidiary, ZenaDrone, has commenced the first US flight testing of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone near Phoenix, Arizona. This development comes after years of research and development, and recent approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for visual line-of-sight commercial applications and data collection.

The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone designed for stable flight, maneuverability, and heavy lift capabilities. It incorporates innovative software technology, artificial intelligence, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, making it suitable for various industrial applications. The drone has already been utilized on farms in Ireland for smart farming, plant tracking, and crop management, and has undergone pilot testing with the US military for delivering temperature-controlled critical medical supplies.

CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D., expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, 'After years of development work and recently achieving US FAA approval, it is gratifying to be able to conduct live test flights and further build our company base in Arizona.' He emphasized that these test flights and demonstrations would help refine and build the reliability of the ZenaDrone 1000 solutions for multiple applications where demand has been identified.

The flight testing in Arizona is not just a technical milestone but also a strategic move for ZenaTech. The company has been working on expanding its offices, operations, and partnerships in the state. This expansion is supported by a collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the state's economic development organization. Kevin O'Shea, Senior Vice President of International Trade for the ACA, expressed enthusiasm for ZenaDrone's growth in Arizona and the potential for further business expansion both locally and globally.

ZenaTech's progress with the ZenaDrone 1000 could have significant implications for various industries. In agriculture, the drone's capabilities could revolutionize crop management and monitoring, potentially increasing efficiency and yield. For defense and security sectors, the drone's ability to deliver critical supplies and conduct surveillance could enhance operational capabilities. The land surveying industry could also benefit from the drone's advanced sensing and data collection features.

The company is also in the process of obtaining an aerial spraying license (14 CFR Part 137) from the FAA, which would allow the ZenaDrone 1000 to be used for agricultural plant nourishment, soil treatment, and pest control. This additional capability could further solidify the drone's position as a versatile tool for the agricultural sector.

As ZenaTech continues to develop and refine its drone technology, the implications for various industries could be far-reaching. The successful integration of AI, machine learning, and drone technology has the potential to drive operational efficiencies and cost savings across multiple sectors. With over 100 enterprise software customers already using ZenaTech's solutions in law enforcement, government, and industrial sectors, the company is well-positioned to expand its influence in the drone market.

The flight testing in Arizona marks a crucial step in bringing the ZenaDrone 1000 closer to widespread commercial use. As the company continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, it could play a significant role in shaping the future of drone technology and its applications across various industries.