New photos show DJI Mavic Air 2 has no top obstacle avoidance sensors

These photos of the DJI Mavic Air 2, leaked by our good friend OsitaLV, show no top obstacle avoidance sensors. This means that the soon-to-be-released DJI Mavic Air 2 will very likely not have 360-degree, omnidirectional obstacle sensing and avoidance capabilities.

The photo shows the drone from the top down, and you can see an empty battery compartment. Both front legs of the drone in the folded-in position. The photo seems to be coming from the FCC filing that was made public earlier today. It shows where the label with the equipment information will be located.

The label itself provides the name of the drone, i.e. DJI Mavic Air 2. the model information, battery information (11.55V, 3500mAh), as well as FCC and CE information.

Since the front legs of the DJI Mavic Air 2 are in the folded-in position, we still do not get a clear look at the side of the drone and thus we cannot see if there are side obstacle avoidance sensors.

New photos DJI Mavic Air 2 show no top obstacle avoidance sensors

The photo of the drone does show that there is no top obstacle avoidance sensor located towards the back of the drone.

If we take a look at the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom models, the upward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors are located on top at the back end of the drone. This photo does not show the top of the front of the unmanned aircraft, but based on earlier photos (see below) it seems unlikely that we will find any sensors there. The font typically has the two forward-facing sensors and that part of the body is somewhat hollowed-out to provide room for the gimbal and camera construction underneath, offering little space for additional obstacle avoidance sensors to be installed.

All in all, it seems that the new DJI Mavic Air 2 will not have 360-degree omnidirectional obstacle sensing and avoidance, which is understandable from a DJI product line point of view. DJI probably does not want the New DJI Mavic Air 2 to compete too much with the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom models. But at the same time, it is also a disappointment for prospective drone buyers as the lack of upward-facing sensors makes the drone less foolproof for beginner drone pilots.

What do you think about the absence of upward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors? Is this a deal-breaker for you or no biggie? Let us know in the comments below.