Drone Updates: Expedition of Inspire 3 to the Arctic, Debut of DJI's Trio of Agri-Drones, and More Exciting Developments!
DJI, the world-renowned drone manufacturer, has expanded its flagship Agras series with the launch of three new agricultural drones: the DJI Agras T100, T70P, and T25P. This latest lineup brings the total count of DJI's Agras series to 13.
The DJI Agras T100: A Powerhouse for Precision Agriculture
The DJI Agras T100 is equipped to handle payloads of up to 100 kg (220 lbs) and features a 75-liter spray tank, capable of spraying up to 30 liters per minute with dual nozzles. With an optional upgrade to four water-cooled mist nozzles, the rate can be boosted to 40 liters per minute. The T100 also includes a 150-liter spreading tank, capable of dispersing fertilizers or seeds at speeds of up to 20 m/s (44.7 mph) and rates of 400 kg per minute.
The T100 boasts an 85 kg (187 lbs) lifting capacity and advanced augmented reality (AR) features like Obstacle Display and Real-Time Route View, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Its modular design allows for easy switching between spraying and spreading modes, accommodating diverse agricultural tasks.
DJI Agras T70P and T25P: Boosting Precision Farming Capabilities
While specific details on the T70P and T25P's payload capacities and detailed applications are not extensively highlighted, they are expected to enhance the capabilities of DJI's existing line of drones, focusing on precision farming tasks such as spraying and spreading. Both models offer improved efficiency and safety features, consistent with DJI's focus on precision agriculture.
A Focus on Safety, Automation, and Operational Efficiency
All three drones feature advanced safety systems and more intelligent features for fully automated operations, reflecting DJI's commitment to enhancing precision agriculture globally. They are designed to carry heavier payloads and support multiple application scenarios with higher operational efficiency compared to previous models.
The new drones have launched globally, but it's not clear whether they will be available for sale in the U.S.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the U.S. government is also making strides in drone technology. The Secret Service has overhauled its approach to aerial security by rolling out a fleet of military-grade drones and establishing mobile command posts nationwide. Frontline commanders now have new authority to buy, test, and deploy drones, including 3D-printed and off-the-shelf models, without waiting for higher-level approvals.
Military drone combat simulations will be required across all branches starting next year, as part of a sweeping directive aimed at outpacing adversaries like Russia and China and establishing U.S. drone dominance. Small drones are now treated as consumables, not traditional military assets, under the new directive.
In the realm of civilian drone technology, DEXA, a startup company, has secured all three crucial FAA approvals: airworthiness certification for its aircraft, a Part 135 air carrier certificate, and a national BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waiver. This makes DEXA among the very few U.S. companies legally cleared for large-scale drone delivery, despite its delivery footprint and volume being smaller than established giants.
In other news, filmmaker Denis Barbas released a cinematic journey to the Arctic earlier this year, using the DJI Inspire 3 to capture the footage. The Arctic journey footage was shot entirely in 8K RAW, showcasing the Inspire 3's ability to capture ultra-smooth drone shots of dramatic, icy landscapes. The footage demonstrates the Inspire 3's dynamic range and its ability to capture fine details, even in low winter light.
This marks another significant milestone for DJI, as it continues to push the boundaries of drone technology, both in the agricultural and cinematic sectors.
- The DJI Agras T100, one of the new drones launched by DJI, is designed to lift up to 85 kg and features advanced safety systems, enhancing its operational efficiency in precision agriculture.
- In the realm of consumer drone technology, DEXA, a startup company, has received FAA's airworthiness certification, Part 135 air carrier certificate, and a national BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waiver, enabling large-scale drone delivery operations.
- DJI's new agricultural drone, the DJI Agras T100, includes a 150-liter spreading tank for dispersing fertilizers or seeds at high speeds, making it a powerful tool for precision agriculture tasks.
- The T70P and T25P, another new additions to DJI's agricultural drone lineup, are expected to boost precision farming capabilities, focusing on tasks such as spraying and spreading.
- Filmmaker Denis Barbas used the DJI Inspire 3 to capture 8K RAW footage of the Arctic, showcasing the drone's ability to capture ultra-smooth drone shots of dramatic landscapes, even in low light conditions.
