Drone Companies

News, deep dives, and analysis — every Drone Companies story, newest first.

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Oct 27

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Gray DJI Matrice 4TD dock drone with a multi-camera gimbal flying above a solar farm at dusk, with snow-capped mountains behind

Fact Check

DJI Matrice 5TD's Native 1280 Thermal Has a US Drone Maker Alarmed

A viral X post says DJI's Matrice 5TD has native 1280 by 1024 thermal. DJI's spec sheet agrees. The Mavic-sized and US lead-time claims hold up less well.

Haye KestelooOct 26

White DJI Matrice 4TD drone with twin spotlights and a speaker mounted on top, hovering in front of a sunlit forest

Search & Rescue

White County's New Rescue Drone Is a DJI Matrice 4TD It Didn't Name

White County, Georgia, bought a rain-capable DJI Matrice 4TD with SPLOST money. Neither Georgia ban bill became law, and federal rules allow it.

Haye KestelooOct 26

Gray DJI Avata 360 drone hovering in front of a blurred rocky hillside

FIRMWARE

DJI Avata 360 Waypoints Arrive, and the RC Pro 2 Needs Its Own Update

DJI's October 20 release notes give the Avata 360 Waypoint Flight, FocusTrack zoom and RC Pro 2 support. Here is every version number the update touches.

Haye KestelooOct 25

Close-up of the original DJI Avata's camera and propeller guards against a blurred desert sky

FIRMWARE

DJI Avata Firmware Returns After Nearly 3 Years to Fix 'Known Issues'

DJI's first Avata firmware since December 2023, v01.06.0000, lands with Goggles 2, Goggles Integra and DJI Fly 1.21.16 updates and a one-line changelog.

Haye KestelooOct 25

Two B-52H Stratofortress bombers with LA tail codes taxiing on the flight line at Barksdale Air Force Base

FAA

Barksdale Indictment Alleges DJI Air 3 Flights After the Incursions

A man arrested in Michigan is charged with flying an unregistered DJI Air 3 around Barksdale AFB on March 22 to 26. One count carries up to three years.

Haye KestelooOct 24

White DJI Neo drone with full propeller guards resting on an open palm in front of yellow goldenrod

Deal

DJI Neo Is $169 on Amazon, $30 Off List but $30 Over Its Prime Low

The DJI Neo is back at $169 on Amazon, $30 above its October Prime price, while DJI's own store is sold out. Check the price history before you buy.

Haye KestelooOct 23

Pilot Institute

Spray Drone Group Seeks FCC Carve-Out as Westborough Votes to Ban Pads

Greg Reverdiau: spray drone sales fell 59% as dealers seek an FCC carve-out, Pentagon letters join DJI's record, Phantom 4 Pro V2 support ends Oct. 31.

Greg ReverdiauOct 23

Amazon

MassDOT Says Amazon Hasn't Applied for the Drone Pad Permit It Needs

MassDOT told Amazon it has no request to review its Westborough drone pad, which needs a state certificate and a public hearing before any flights.

Haye KestelooOct 22

Drone Companies

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