(CBS13) – Endorsed by the federal government, unmanned drones are now buzzing over Yolo County; and the weapons they use could help farmers grow better crops.

Flying just several feet above crops in is a Yamaha R-Max remote controlled helicopter — an unmanned drone.

“Very specific, very targeted, very precise,” UC Davis professor of engineer Ken Giles said of the drone.

The drones aren’t targeting suspected Al Qaida insurgents or enemy bunkers, but pesky crop eating bugs.

“It’s surprisingly easy to operate,” said Giles.

Ken Giles, a UC Davis engineer professor, says the 200 pound chopper — about half the size of a golf cart — is used specifically for crops and will never fly over neighborhoods. They have to notify the FAA before even taking off.

Giles’ team is looking for ways to help farmers spray and save. He says the traditional ground or aircraft crop sprayers use more chemicals than necessary.