Air Tractor AT-1002: A Game Changer in Aerial Operations

The Air Tractor AT-1002 is built to serve where it matters most - over fields and firelines. Designed for both agriculture and firefighting, this powerful aircraft represents the next generation of aerial response. While the AT-1002 PlaneTags were created last year from the original prototype, they were never officially released, until now. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of aviation history.

What is the Air Tractor AT-1002?

The Air Tractor AT-1002 is a single-seat, turboprop aircraft engineered for aerial application and emergency response. With its rugged build, high payload capacity, and precision technology, it’s designed to handle the demanding conditions of crop spraying and wildfire suppression with equal efficiency.

Air Tractor: 50 Years of Innovation 

In 2024, Air Tractor celebrated 50 years of aviation excellence. Founded in 1974 by visionary engineer Leland Snow, the company has become a global leader in agricultural and firefighting aircraft. From humble beginnings to a trusted name worldwide, Air Tractor has spent five decades pushing boundaries and delivering aircraft that help feed the world and fight fires from the air.

Want to see how it all comes together? Watch how these incredible machines are built at Air Tractor’s factory in Olney, Texas. The AT-1002 is featured at the 13-minute mark:

The AT-1002’s Journey: From Concept to Redesign

The AT-1002 project began with a bold goal: to build an aircraft capable of outperforming its predecessors in payload, range, and versatility. The first prototype, the AT-1002A, took flight on November 25, 2009, marking a major milestone in aerial application history. Built on the strengths of the AT-802, the prototype featured a larger hopper, expanded wingspan, and increased fuel and retardant capacity.

After more than a decade of test flights and refinement, the AT-1002A was retired in 2023. But the project didn’t stop there—Air Tractor has since redesigned the aircraft from the ground up and is now working on a new prototype, setting the stage for the future of aerial operations.

Air Tractor AT-1002: At A Glance

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: Air Tractor 
• Serial #: N4285K
• Crew: 1 
• Wing Span: 73 ft 5 in
• Length: 29 ft 0 in
• Height: 12 ft 1 in
• Hopper Capacity: 970 gal (AG) or 1057 gal (Fire)

Performance:

• Range: 610 mi
• Cruise Speed: 198 mph
• Ceiling: 13,000 ft
• Empty weight: 9,000 lb
• Max Takeoff: 20,000 lb
• Rate of Climb: 1,200 ft/min
• Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F

Air Tractor Aircraft Through the Years

Air Tractor's history dates back to the early 1950s when founder Leland Snow began designing agricultural aircraft. The company officially started in 1972, with the introduction of its first model, the Air Tractor AT-300. Over the years, Air Tractor has developed a range of high-performing aircraft tailored for various agricultural and firefighting applications. Here is a list of some of the major models:

• AT-300 – The original Air Tractor, built for crop spraying

• AT-400 – A more powerful version with increased capacity

• AT-502 – Popular with aerial applicators, featuring a 500-gallon hopper

• AT-602 – Larger hopper, extended range

• AT-802 – Dual-role powerhouse used for both ag and firefighting

• AT-1002 – The next evolution, designed for maximum efficiency in both missions

Additionally, there are further variants of some models, such as the AT-802U two seat armored military version, and the AT-802F "Fire Boss", equipped with amphibious floats. 

AT-1002: Real World Applications 

Whether protecting crops or battling flames, the AT-1002 is built to perform. In agriculture, it provides fast, precise application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, reducing damage and improving yield over large areas. Its size and accuracy make it ideal for farms that demand high performance and minimal downtime.

In firefighting, the AT-1002 transforms into a first-response asset. Equipped to drop large loads of water or fire retardant, it can access difficult terrain quickly and deliver targeted suppression when and where it’s needed most. Its dual-use capability makes it a vital part of both farming operations and emergency response strategies.

N4285K: The First AT-1002

The story of the AT-1002 began with tail number N4285K—serial number 1002A-0001. Its first flight took place on November 25, 2009, a moment Leland Snow had been building toward for nearly a decade. This trailblazing prototype flew for over ten years before logging its final flight on March 24, 2021. It was officially decommissioned on May 9, 2023.

Photo by OnlyKR64, used with permission

Watch the historic first flight of N4285K below:

MotoArt Acquires the Air Tractor Prototype

In 2024, Air Tractor partnered with MotoArt to honor the legacy of the AT-1002A in a unique and meaningful way, by transforming parts of the original prototype into collectible PlaneTags. These tags were flown aboard AT-1002A-0002 during its first flight on February 8, 2024, making each one a true part of Air Tractor history. 

"When Air Tractor reached out to us to document their first prototype with PlaneTags, we were absolutely stoked that they asked us to be involved. With only 1002 AT-1002 PlaneTags available, we agreed to split them, with 502 for Air Tractor's clients, and 500 of them available to the PlaneTags collectors community." - Dave Hall, MotoArt PlaneTags CEO

Air Tractor AT-1002 PlaneTags

Available now for the first time, the Air Tractor AT-1002A PlaneTags are Special Edition collectibles made from the original 2009 prototype. Each tag is individually numbered in a series of 1,002, a tribute to the aircraft’s model number, with 502 reserved for Air Tractor and only 500 available to PlaneTags collectors. These tags were flown aboard AT-1002A-0002 during its first flight on February 8, 2024, adding even more meaning to this limited release. Each one features exclusive engraving on the back, making them truly one-of-a-kind and not eligible for further customization. Don’t miss your chance to own a rare piece of aviation history - once they're gone, they’re gone.

Unless otherwise indicated, photos courtesy of Air Tractor, used with permission.

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