"Drone-in-a-box": DJI lets drones take off from moving trucks
DJI has revised its "drone-in-a-box" system. It can now also be mounted on open trucks so that the drones can take off from there.
Two DJI Dock 3 can be operated in parallel on a truck bed.
(Image: DJI (Screenshot))
The Chinese drone manufacturer DJI is presenting the third version of its "drone-in-a-box" system DJI Dock 3. The mobile control, take-off, loading and landing platform for enterprise drones of the types DJI Matrice 4D and DJI Matrice 4TD can now also be mounted on vehicles. The drones can even take off and land from there while driving.
The DJI Dock 3 is designed for the use of drones in the areas of public safety, emergency operations and inspection work, for example on high-voltage lines or pipelines. The dock serves as a launch site, charging station and landing site. The drone can also be controlled and operated autonomously.
The basic functions have remained the same as the previous version. The system offers an encapsulated take-off and landing area that can be opened if required. What is new is the improved protection against dust and water in accordance with IP56. DJI has also extended the temperature range. It is now between +50 and -30 °C. However, the system heats up at sub-zero temperatures. The DJI Dock 3 should therefore be equipped for most applications and also function under extreme conditions.
Also on board are a weather station, antennas, surveillance cameras and an internal backup battery. The system itself normally requires a power connection and a separate internet connection. However, DJI offers an optional 4G cellular dongle to be better equipped for mobile use.
Gimbal mount for mobile take-offs and landings
A new feature is that the box with the drone can now be attached to vehicles. Typically, trucks with an open loading area are used to take off and land the drone. A cardanic suspension is required for mounting, which is optional and keeps the system steady. It should also enable the drone to take off and land when the vehicle is moving. Two systems can be installed on a truck in parallel, so that alternating operation is possible if a drone needs to recharge its batteries, for example.
For autonomous remote operation, the station has a transmitter and receiver unit that can communicate with drones at a distance of up to 10 km. With the help of relay stations, the communication range can be increased to up to 25 km. Operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS – ) is also possible, provided this is covered or approved by local aviation regulations.
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The DJI 3 Dock is available for enterprise customers in two packages together with a DJI Matrice 4D or a DJI Matrice 4TD. Package 1 is priced at 21,059 US dollars and Package 2 at 23,409 dollars. These prices do not include installation, deployment services, software and optional hardware. For example, the gimbal mount for the DJI Dock 3 is charged separately. DJI did not initially name a price for this.
(olb)
