What factor significantly affects the placement of nozzles along the boom of aerial application aircraft?

In aerial application, the placement of nozzles along the boom is primarily influenced by the spray pattern. The spray pattern dictates how the pesticide or nutrient is distributed over the target area, and to achieve an even and effective coverage, the nozzles must be strategically positioned.

Correctly aligning the nozzles ensures that the spray reaches the desired crop areas without overlaps or gaps, which can lead to inefficient application or crop damage. The configuration of nozzles impacts droplet size, distribution width, and overall efficacy of the application—factors that are critical to successful aerial application.

While factors such as propeller slip, weight distribution, and aircraft speed are important in the operation of the aircraft, they do not directly dictate the specific placement of nozzles required to achieve optimal spray characteristics.