Image of stationary DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone

May 18, 2023 - After weeks of rumors and speculation, DJI has finally introduced its latest innovation, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK (M350 RTK), setting new standards in the commercial drone industry. With its groundbreaking features, enhanced safety measures, and expanded payload options, the M350 RTK is poised to become the ultimate tool for various sectors, including public safety, energy, mapping, infrastructure, and forestry.

 

Summary of the Hits & Biggest Upgrades

  • IP55 weather rating (up from IP45) - make it more resilient to the elements
  • O3 Enterprise Transmission: Triple-channel 1080p HD live feeds and a max transmission distance of 20 km, a.k.a better video quality and extended range.
  • DJI RC Plus standard: The drone comes with the DJI RC Plus controller, featuring a seven-inch touch screen, an IP54 weather rating, a hot-swappable battery, and six customizable macro buttons.
  • Night vision FPV cameras: Better performance in low-light situations
  • Arm lock detection -Enhancing safety and preventing malfunctions during flight.
  • Improved batteries: The new TB65 battery with 55-minute flight time and supports up to 400 cycles.
  • Multiple payload support- Can support up to three payloads simultaneously, allowing for versatile operations and the use of different sensors and equipment.
  • Backward compatibility with M300 payloads:
  • Supports RTK positioning for precise positioning and accuracy in enterprise applications.

 

Unpacking The M350 RTK

Let’s dive deeper into what it brings on board:

Payload Powerhouse With Extended Flight Time 

The M350 RTK boasts an impressive 55-minute maximum flight time, providing operators with an extended window to accomplish their tasks efficiently. Its payload capacity of 2.7 kg offers flexibility, allowing operators to choose from a range of payloads based on their specific needs. The advanced DJI O3 Enterprise Transmission system ensures triple-channel 1080p HD live feeds and a maximum transmission distance of 20 km, enhancing real-time data acquisition.

 

Fortified Defense System - Defies Obstacles, Dust And Water

Safety features have been significantly enhanced in the M350 RTK. With an improved IP55 rating, the drone offers better protection against dust and water, making it suitable for diverse weather conditions. The upgraded FPV camera provides improved navigation, especially during night flights.

 

The drone's arm lock detection function prevents the risk of unlocked arm sleeves during flight. Additionally, the six-directional binocular vision system and infrared sensing system enable comprehensive protection, including obstacle detection and positioning. For additional flight safety, a CSM radar can be purchased and mounted on top of the drone to detect subtle obstacles within its 360° detection range.

 

DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone hovering near powerlinesDJI Matrice 350 RTK drone hovering near powerlines

AI Turbocharge: Spot Check and PinPoint Make it Smart and Swift

Efficiency is a key focus of the M350 RTK. The drone comes with the DJI RC Plus as standard, featuring a high-bright 7-inch screen, Dual Operator Mode, and up to six hours of operating time with a standard WB37 external battery. The RC Plus is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making around-the-clock operation possible in various environments.

 

DJI has recently made the decision to adopt the DJI RC Plus as the primary controller for its extensive lineup of large enterprise and professional series drones. You'll also find this controller on the Inspire 3 consumer drone launched last month.

 

The intuitive controller with customizable buttons and dials offers a flexible and user-friendly experience. It’s bulky though - so you’ll be needing the neck strap to relieve your arms after a while. The RC Plus' app, Pilot 2, enhances efficiency by providing comprehensive options to manage the drone and the project from start to finish.

 

DJI RC Plus controllerDJI RC Plus controller

 

Intelligent functions integrated into the M350 RTK greatly increase efficiency and safety during drone deployments. AI Spot Check automates routine inspections, ensuring consistent results with every operation. The PinPoint feature allows operators to mark an object with a quick tap, projecting its coordinates as an augmented reality (AR) icon to all camera views, which is particularly useful in search and rescue operations.

 

Bring Down Flight Costs; Crank up the Payloads

The M350 RTK introduces flight cost reduction measures with the new TB65 battery, which offers a 100% increased battery cycle count, significantly reducing the cost of each flight. The dual-battery system supports hot swapping, enabling multiple flights without powering off the drone.

 

The BS65 Intelligent Battery Station provides a comprehensive solution for battery charging, storage, and transport. The M350 RTK supports powerful payloads, such as the Zenmuse H20 Series, which integrates zoom, wide-angle, thermal, and laser rangefinder capabilities. The Zenmuse P1 revolutionizes photogrammetry flight missions with its full-frame sensor and interchangeable fixed-focus lenses. The Zenmuse L1 provides real-time 3D data for capturing intricate structures accurately.

 

An open BS65 Intelligent Battery StationAn open BS65 Intelligent Battery Station

Expandable Ecosystem – Define your Boundaries

The M350 RTK offers an expandable ecosystem through DJI's SDK and API integration. The Payload SDK enables integration of various third-party payloads, expanding the platform's potential applications. The Mobile SDK allows the utilization of third-party mobile applications, unlocking specialized mission needs. Cloud API integration facilitates direct connectivity to third-party cloud platforms via the DJI Pilot 2 app, enabling data transfer, live streaming, and flight route distribution.

Why This Matters

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK (M350 RTK) represents a groundbreaking advancement in the commercial drone industry. Its enhanced capabilities, improved safety features, efficiency, and expandable ecosystem set new standards for commercial drones. With its versatility, powerful payloads, and intelligent features, the M350 RTK becomes an indispensable tool for various sectors. DJI's commitment to continuous innovation reinforces its position as a leader in the industry, driving human advancement and adding value to lives worldwide.