Michigan-based Exedy Drones, a business backed by Japan's EXEDY Corporation, has opened reservations for its AYRE CX agricultural spraying and spreading drone in the United States, as the company prepares to expand its presence in the precision agriculture equipment market.
The company is accepting reservations for the first 500 aircraft through its authorised dealer network, with initial deliveries targeted for spring 2027. The AYRE CX is being developed to support agricultural spraying and granular material application, combining multiple field operations within a single unmanned aerial platform.
The drone features a 50-litre liquid spray tank and a 70-litre hopper for distributing granular inputs, including seeds and fertilisers. Its technical capabilities include autonomous take-off, spraying and landing, RTK-level navigation, terrain-following technology and obstacle detection.
According to Exedy Drones, the aircraft incorporates a variable-flow spraying system and centrifugal nozzles designed to support precision application across different agricultural conditions. The company is also developing software and operational support systems in the United States, alongside a domestic dealer and servicing network.
The AYRE CX is being assembled in southeastern Michigan using a combination of domestically and internationally sourced components. Its parent company, EXEDY Globalparts Corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan's EXEDY Corporation, a manufacturer of automotive drivetrain components.
The company has introduced a reservation programme requiring an initial payment of $1,000, of which $750 remains refundable until conversion to a purchase deposit. Reservations secure priority production positions but do not guarantee delivery dates or final aircraft pricing.
The aircraft received conditional approval under the US Federal Communications Commission's regulatory framework in July 2026, allowing it to qualify for an exemption from restrictions affecting certain foreign-produced drone systems and components, subject to applicable conditions.
Exedy Drones plans to complete additional field validation, spraying system testing and production readiness assessments before commencing customer deliveries.
The introduction comes as agricultural drone manufacturers respond to changing US equipment regulations and supply chain requirements. Through its Michigan-based operations, Exedy aims to establish a domestically supported agricultural drone platform for spraying and spreading applications.
