USDA-ARS Aerial Spray Nozzle Models Updates Now Online

The USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology Research Unit (AATRU) has released its updated Aerial Spray Nozzle Models. As reported in the Fall 2025 issue of Agricultural Aviation, the updates include the addition of new nozzle types, more accurate data for a few older nozzles, an update to the latest droplet size classification standard, and combining the low-speed and high-speed models into a single model.

The updated spray nozzle models are currently available two ways, both of which can be found here. Scroll down and expand the section titled “Aerial Spray Nozzle Models.” The first option is a downloadable interactive Excel spreadsheet. This has been the traditional option for accessing the spray nozzle models. Users can download, enter their setup information, and save separate files for every nozzle configuration they use on their aircraft. A new option is a web-based version, which can be used on any web browser on computers, smartphones, or tablets. Still to come is a dedicated app for smartphones expected to be available in March.

The new web-based version is available thanks to the time and effort by AATRU partner Ayushi Shardi, who built the website from scratch based on the most current available models. Ayushi is a member of the “Cotton Crew”, a group of undergraduate and graduate student researchers, technicians, and project staff who work under the direction of the Cotton Chair in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M.