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The 400 lb Benchmark: How the Ceres Air C31 is Scaling Heavy-Lift Operations

Arthur Chen (Ceres Air) |
January 30, 2026

As the demand for large-scale agricultural and cargo operations grows, payload capacity is no longer just a metric—it’s the defining factor of mission efficiency. Our latest field test of the Ceres Air C31 (Black Betty) proves that high-capacity drones can deliver both massive power and rock-solid stability.

The Test: 397 lbs Static Hover

In our most recent evaluation, the C31 was tasked with a 397 lb (180 kg) payload—a weight class that sets a new benchmark for enterprise UAVs.

  • Performance: The C31 maintained a stable hover for over 4 minutes with the full payload.
  • Power Reserve: Even at this extreme weight, the high-torque 8-motor system maintained a 100% power reserve, ensuring critical safety margins for real-world maneuvers.
  • Safety Redundancy: The 4-arm, 8-motor configuration provides essential motor redundancy, allowing the aircraft to maintain control even in demanding field conditions.

Why This Matters for Ag & Cargo

Heavy-lift capacity translates directly to fewer refills and more acres covered. For operators managing hundreds of acres, the C31 offers:

  • Rapid Turnaround: Dual 38,000 mAh batteries that charge from 25% to 95% in approximately 10 minutes, keeping the drone in the air rather than on the charger.
  • Precision Safety: Next-generation LiDAR and Millimeter Wave Radar provide 360° obstacle avoidance, crucial when flying heavy loads near treelines or power lines.


Technical Specifications at a Glance

FeatureSpecification
Max Lift Capacity397 lbs (180 kg)
Configuration4-Arm / 8-Motor Redundancy
Safety Suite360° LiDAR + Millimeter Wave Radar

Ready to upgrade your fleet?

The Ceres Air C31 is now available for pre-order. Secure your spot in the production queue and bring heavy-lift efficiency to your operations.

Contact Us to Request a Quote | View Full Specs

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