RYSE Aero Technologies un­veiled last month an all-electric, ultralight vertical takeoff and landing vehicle, the RYSE Recon, at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, sparking interest among the hundreds who gathered to watch its flight.

Test flights that began in June have exceeded expectations, said Mick Kowitz, CEO and founder, who said the ultralight will change the way farmers and ranchers survey their property and look for opportunities to improve their efficiencies in everything from herding cattle to soil testing and topography imagery.

“We are through our prototype phase and moving into our preproduction phase,” said Kowitz, who announced the $150,000 vehicle will be available for purchase in...