Drone News: New DJI Releases, Anzu Automated Flights, Washington Drone Rescue

Welcome to your Weekly UAS News Update! We have three stories for you: DJI launches two new Agras products, Anzu Robotik with automated flight planning, and then lastly, a drone rescue in Washington. Let’s get to it!

DJI Product Launches

DJI launched several new products this week. The DJI Mic Mini, a small microphone system, is now available in the Vereinigte Staaten at an entry-level price of $169. These microphones feature 11.5 hours of battery life, 10 hours of receiver life, and new capabilities including 400m transmission range, safety track, dual channel recording options, omnidirectional audio recording, and automatic limitation to prevent clipping and distortion. The new mics integrate with the Action 5 Pro, Action 4, Osmo Pocket 3, and Neo without requiring an additional receiver.

Additionally, DJI released the Agras T100 and T70 in China. The T100 is massive with a 330 lb maximum takeoff weight, 100L fertilizer capacity, and 187 lbs payload. The T70 comes in two variants: one with 50L capacity and another with 70L capacity. It features a 143 lb payload and an impressive 8-minute battery charging time. In the US, these drones would require a 44807 exemption and Part 137 approval for agricultural use.

DJI also introduced a new DRTK3 system, DJI RC Plus with Accusing 4, and an O4 image relay station, currently available only in China.

Anzu Robotics Partners with DroneLink

Anzu has partnered with DroneLink to create automated planning capabilities. The new integration with the Rapture series enables advanced mapping features including orbits, vertical facade panos, and custom waypoint missions. Mapping features include single grid, dual grid, linear map, terrain following, and custom settings for camera angles and overlaps. Facade inspection capabilities include vertical column spirals, stacked orbits, and horizontal paths. This integration provides a great alternative platform for those unable to use DJI products.

Drone Rescue Success in Washington

The Clark County Polizei Department successfully located two lost mushroom hunters using a weatherproof drone. Over 50 volunteers, multiple K9 units, and Suche und Rettung teams faced challenging conditions including hail, sleet, and pouring rain. The breakthrough came when the sheriff deployed a DJI Matrice 30, locating one of the missing hunters from the air and directing ground searchers to their location.

Black Friday Sale Announcement

A special Black Friday sale offers discounts on drone and airplane classes: 30% off for one class, 40% off when purchasing two classes, and 50% off for three or more classes. The courses include mapping, real estate photography, Teil 107 certification, and over 20 other options for those interested in starting or expanding their drone business.

Community News

The November drone photo contest winner has been announced. The theme was architecture, and longtime viewer Ed Redge won with his photo titled “The Peter Coordin MTO Island Branch.” The top five photos are available for viewing in the community section.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​