DJI FlyCart 100, Wingtra Teases New Drone, and Man Rescued From Flood by Drone

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have three stories for you this week: DJI is releasing the FlyCart 100, an impressive drone; Wingtra is teasing a new drone; and a “Drones for Good” story. Let’s dive in.

DJI FlyCart 100 Release

DJI has launched the FlyCart 100, a robust drone capable of carrying an 80 kg (176 lb) payload over 6 km (3.7 mi) on a single battery. With a dual-battery setup, the payload decreases slightly to 65 kg (143 lb), but the range extends to 12 km (7.4 mi). Without a payload, the drone can travel 26 km (16 mi). Its maximum takeoff weight is 150 kg (330 lb).

The FlyCart 100 features a hoist system with a 30-meter (100-foot) retractable cable, anti-sway technology (seen in previous FlyCart models), and real-time weighing for safety. It includes a built-in parachute with an independent power supply. Built like a tank, it has an IP55 rating and a wind resistance of 27 mph. The drone is equipped with sensors, including front and rear phased array radar, a 5-eye fisheye camera, and LIDAR for obstacle avoidance.

Priced at $12,500 for the base model, it’s more affordable than expected. While its predecessor, the FlyCart 30, is FAA-approved in the US, the FlyCart 100 is not yet, but we hope this changes soon.

Wingtra Teases New Drone

Swiss-based drone manufacturer Wingtra is teasing a product launch for July 10th, which could be significant for the mapping and surveying industries. Wingtra is known for its high-precision, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drones. Their current flagship, the WingtraOne, captures data at resolutions of 1.2–2 cm per pixel and covers up to 200 hectares (494 acres) in a single flight.

This week, Wingtra shared a teaser stating, “What we’re about to share isn’t just another product launch. It’s a shift in what’s possible.” The teaser image shows a sleek drone silhouette, typical of such reveals, with limited details. Speculation suggests up to 60 minutes of flight time, improved sensors (especially for night operations), and enhanced AI for real-time data processing. We’re excited to see what Wingtra unveils on July 10th and will provide updates in the next news edition.

Drones for Good: Flood Rescue in China

In southwest China, a drone operator performed a dramatic rescue amid severe flooding. The pilot spotted a man stranded on a rooftop, surrounded by rising floodwaters. Acting quickly, he repurposed an agricultural drone—normally used for spraying fertilizers and hauling equipment—to hoist the man from the rooftop to safety on a nearby road.

The drone was likely a heavy-duty agricultural model, possibly similar to a DJI Agras, capable of carrying over 100 pounds with a flight time of around 20 minutes. This incident highlights the versatility of drones in emergencies, even when not designed for search and rescue. The operator’s quick thinking likely saved a life, underscoring the diverse applications of drone technology.

Upcoming Discussions

On Postflight, our premium community show where we share opinions, we’ll cover these stories in more detail. We’ll also discuss recent rumors about DJI Care Refresh and a man facing federal charges for attempting to destroy a law enforcement drone. It promises to be an engaging conversation.

That’s all for this week. Join us for the live Q&A on Monday and in Postflight within the premium community. We’ll see you then!

Note on DJI Import Issues: There’s ongoing discussion about the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ban affecting DJI drone imports. This raises questions about DJI Care Refresh for affected customers.