Latest Drone Updates: Soaring of Inspire 3 to Arctic, Introduction of Three Agriculture Drones from DJI, and Additional Highlights!
DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, has expanded its flagship Agras series with the launch of three new agriculture drones: the Agras T100, T70P, and T25P. These drones are designed to boost operational efficiency for precision agriculture, helping farmers implement automation and tackle small plots to massive commercial farms.
The DJI Agras T100: A Flagship Industrial Agriculture Drone
The Agras T100, DJI's flagship model, boasts advanced capabilities for large-scale and precision farming. It has a payload capacity of up to 100 kg (220 lbs), with a spraying tank holding up to 100 liters (26.4 gallons) and a spreading tank holding up to 150 liters (39.6 gallons). The drone's maximum takeoff weight is approximately 390 lbs (149.9 kg).
The T100's flight performance is impressive, with a max speed of up to 44–50 km/h (31–31 mph), or 20 m/s (44.7 mph). Its spray flow rate is 30 L/min (7.9 gallons/min) with a dual-nozzle system, with an optional four-sprinkler setup raising the flow to 40 L/min (10.6 gallons/min). The spreading system employs a new screw feeder, boosting flow rate by 270% over previous models.
The drone is equipped with twin 62-inch carbon-fiber coaxial propellers for improved efficiency and rigidity, and larger motors with 420A ESCs (electronic speed controllers) provide higher torque and faster response.
Safety and advanced sensing systems are key features of the T100. It boasts a 360° vision system combining fisheye cameras, LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and phased-array radar. AI and augmented reality (AR) capabilities enable real-time obstacle mapping, flight path prediction, and safe landing projections.
The T100 also supports centimeter-level RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning via the optional D-RTK 3 AG module. The DJI RC Plus 2 controller, with a 7-inch, ultra-bright touchscreen (1400 nits) and customizable physical buttons, ensures clear operation in bright daylight or nighttime. The O4 video transmission system, with upgraded algorithms and an optional O4 Relay module, provides a stable control signal even in challenging signal environments.
The T100's large 41,000 mAh smart batteries recharge rapidly in 8–9 minutes, supporting long operation cycles with reduced downtime. Its energy-efficient design lowers operational costs. After undergoing 700 hours of rigorous testing, the T100 is designed to ensure durability in various conditions.
Agras T70P and T25P: Scaled Capabilities for Medium and Smaller Operations
While detailed specs for the T70P and T25P are less prominent, these drones complement the T100 by offering scaled payloads and capabilities targeting medium and smaller operations, respectively. They enhance the spraying and spreading capabilities within DJI’s agricultural drone lineup.
The Future of Agriculture Drones
These features position the DJI Agras T100 as a flagship industrial agriculture drone designed for efficiency, versatility, and safety in tasks such as spraying, spreading fertilizers or pesticides, and lifting for farm-related transport. It is optimized for large farms requiring high payload capacities and reliable precision agriculture tools.
Meanwhile, DEXA, a drone delivery startup, 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, positioning them among the very few U.S. companies legally cleared for large-scale drone delivery.
It remains unclear whether the new agriculture drones will be available for sale in the U.S. However, the agricultural drone market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, as farmers seek to adopt automation and precision agriculture tools to improve efficiency and sustainability.
[1] Link to DJI's official press release [2] Link to DJI's Agras T100 product page [3] Link to DJI's product comparison page for the Agras series [4] Link to DJI's official video showcasing the Agras T100 [5] Link to a news article about DJI's new agriculture drones
- The DJI Agras T100, designed for large-scale and precision farming, boasts a payload capacity of up to 100 kg and underwent 700 hours of rigorous testing for durability.
- Safety and advanced sensing systems are key features of the T100, with a 360° vision system combining fisheye cameras, LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and phased-array radar for real-time obstacle mapping and safe landings.
- The T100's spray flow rate is 30 L/min with a dual-nozzle system, while an optional four-sprinkler setup raises the flow to 40 L/min, making it efficient for spraying, spreading fertilizers, or transporting farm-related goods.
- The new DJI Agras T100 is optimized for large farms, requiring high payload capacities and reliable precision agriculture tools, and is powered by large 41,000 mAh smart batteries, recharging rapidly in 8–9 minutes for reduced downtime.
- DEXA, a drone delivery startup, has secured FAA approvals, positioning them among the few U.S. companies legally cleared for large-scale drone delivery, raising questions about the availability of DJI's new agriculture drones in the U.S. market.
