DJI has just released their latest “drone in a box” solution – DJI Dock 3 and yet again proved why they are the absolute leader for civilian drone technology. DJI Dock 3 comes with the all-new DJI Matrice 4D or DJI Matrice 4TD drone, an improved version of the already existing standalone versions Matrice 4 and Matrice 4T.
The 10 best new features at a glance
- DJI’s Flight Termination System (FTS) – a key requirement for EASA C6 compliance
- Longer flight time than DJI Dock 2 – 54min
- Wider range of operating temperatures -30 to 50°
- Better ingress protection of the Dock – IP56 vs IP55 (Dock 2)
- Improved wind resistance during take off – 12m/s vs 8m/s (Dock 2)
- Faster battery charging and Quick Take Off in 10s
- LIDAR based obstacle sensing module
- Relay functionality for extended range
- Car mount-up kit for mobile deployments
- Standalone version of the Matrice 4D/TD with RC Plus 2
It is incredible to see so many improvements since the launch of the previous generation Dock 2 just 15 months ago. DJI listened to critical customer feedback and improved both the Dock and the drone inside as well.
Slightly changed design
The size and weight of the Dock 3 are slightly bigger than Dock 2, yet still much smaller than the first generation Dock 1. The top cover design is also changed, so it can better perform and easily open in heavy snowy conditions.
The RTK module now is mounted outside of the Dock, so it can has better reception even near high buildings. This would ensure a better RTK connectivity and improved precision.
Adaptable to Extreme Environments
DJI Dock 3 can operate and charge seamlessly in extreme temperatures up to 50°C (122°F) and as low as -30°C (-22°F) when pre-heated. Its design further safeguards its internal system with an exceptional IP56 dust and water-resistant rating. The accompanying Matrice 4D and 4TD come standard with low-noise anti-ice propellers that can quietly maintain a stable flight even in freezing rain and wind as strong as 12 meters per second.
High-Performance DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD
The Matrice 4D Series (“D” for Dock Version) is an improved version of the recently launched Matrice 4 Series drones. The main difference between the Matrice 4D/TD and the standard Matrice 4/T is the added ingress protection to the Dock version. The drones feature IP55-rated dust and water resistance.
The flight time has been also improved compared to the previous generation Dock 2 / Matrice 3D/TD – 54 minutes of forward-flight time and 47 minutes of hovering.
Both drones are equipped with a wide-angle camera, a medium tele camera, a tele camera, and a Laser Range Finder. The Night Scene mode offers full-color night vision, and the 4TD offers additional IR-Cut Filter features for black-and-white night vision.
Matrice 4D is designed for high-precision mapping and detailed surface inspections. It features a 24mm wide camera (4/3 CMOS, f/2.8-f/11, 20MP) with a mechanical shutter, a 70mm medium tele camera (1/1.3-inch CMOS, f/2.8, 48MP), and a 168mm tele camera (1/1.5-inch CMOS, f/2.8, 48MP). When paired with FlightHub 2, operators can use the drone’s powerful auto-zoom to quickly track a subject, such as a vehicle or vessel.
Matrice 4TD is equipped with an infrared thermal camera and a new NIR auxiliary light with 100 meters of coverage for public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure inspections. It features the same tele camera and medium tele camera as the Matrice 4D but a smaller 24mm wide camera (1/1.3-inch CMOS, f/1.7, 48MP).
The new Matrice 4D/TD drones can also be operated as a standalone drone together with the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise remote controller. It allows Public Safety officers and first responders to use the IP-rated drones in harsh environments.
Another amazing feature is the relay functionality for extended range. Customer can either use the new D-RTK 3 Relay Fixed Deployment Version or deploy another Matrice 4D/TD version in the air as a relay drone. This significantly increases the possible use cases of drones in both inspection and search rescue missions.
The new Matrice 4D/TD drones also support the DJI´s 4G Enhanced Transmission when used with the DJI Cellular Dongle 2 module.
Last but not least the maximum operational altitude of the new Matrice 4D/TD has been also increased to 4500m (Dock 2 – 4000m).
New Accessories
Obstacle Sensing Module: For more precise maneuvering in complex environments such as 12mm power grid line wires and intricate substation layouts, an Obstacle Sensing Module can be added to equip the Matrice 4D/4TD with LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar technology.
Note: we could probably expect that the obstacle sensing module will be soon compatible with the previously launched Matrice 4/T drones as well.
Gimbal-Following Spotlight: The DJI AL1 SpotLight can illuminate subjects up to 100 meters away. When connected with the gimbal, the spotlight can follow the camera’s movements to illuminate the camera’s view.
Real-Time Voice Speaker: The DJI AS1 Speaker can broadcast up to 300 meters away, up to 114 decibels at a distance of 1 meter. It supports recorded messages, media imports, and text-to-speech conversion.
Third-Party Payloads: DJI Enterprise has significantly expanded its product capabilities by enabling the connection of third-party payloads, including parachutes via the aircraft’s E-Port, or remotely controlling added payloads via FlightHub 2. It also features an additional port for PSDK payload at the rear.
Note: we should see compatible parachutes for the new Matrice 4D/TD from companies like Dronavia or AVSS very soon.
As we speak about parachutes it is definitely worth mentioning, that DJI’s Flight Termination System (FTS) module is a key technical requirement for EASA C6 compliance, providing the Matrice 4D Series an additional level of safety for an organization’s operation on strictly regulated airspace. FTS can be manually triggered to stop the drone’s propellers during operation or automatically triggered when the drone breaches the Geocaging boundary, promptly terminating the flight.
Car mount-up accessory: A new car mount-up accessory for the Dock 3 enables secure vehicle mounting, empowering 24/7 remote operations for various environments.
Intelligent Software for Efficient Aerial Operation
Pairing DJI Dock 3 with DJI FlightHub 2 or 3rd party drone operations platforms, like AirHub, can further enhance the intelligence and efficiency of remote operations with automated flight routes.
In FlightHub 2 the refreshed interface for the Virtual Cockpit allows operators to adjust the gimbal orientation remotely with the new Mouselook feature, enabling rapid and precise centering of the frame, thus achieving “point and see.” This new feature is especially helpful for inspections and security use cases.
The take-off time has been also greatly improved, so a drone mission can be quickly executed, making the Dock 3 a great choice for the “Drone as a first responder” (DFR) use cases.
Conclusion
All those new features and major improvements, make the new DJI Dock 3 the best drone in a box solution currently on the market.
The Dock 3 will be available soon and can be purchased through authorized DJI Enterprise dealers.
