In a move that signals an expansion in the drone delivery market, DJI has filed with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to bring its delivery drone, FlyCart 30, to North America. This follows the model's initial launch in China in August 2023.
FlyCart 30 is DJI’s first model designed for delivery. The drone has a dual-battery system, with a maximum payload of 30 kg and a range of 16 km when fully loaded. It is designed to respond to safety and emergency situations, incorporating obstacle avoidance, dual radar, an ADS-B signal receiver, and a built-in parachute system for controlled descents in case of critical failures.
Operational efficiency is a focal point of FlyCart 30's design, with the incorporation of DJI’s O3 video transmission system, allowing operations beyond the operator's visual line of sight (BVLOS). An interesting operational nuance is the drone's dual control capability. This allows pilots in different locations to switch control of the drone, addressing potential challenges related to signal occlusion and accuracy in long-distance transportation.
Built to withstand diverse weather conditions, FlyCart 30 can operate under varied weather scenarios, with features allowing it to resist wind speeds of up to 12m/s. It employs two methods for delivery – a container load method and a winch crane system, designed to release cargo automatically upon ground contact, minimizing the sway and ensuring stability during cargo transit.
The FlyCart 30 is listed at $17,000 in China, with the cost in the US still under wraps. In tandem with the drone, DJI has rolled out DJI Transport, a new air transportation cloud platform aimed at refining flight planning and multi-machine management. The slated arrival of FlyCart 30 in North America underlines the growing adoption of commercial drone delivery in the U.S.
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