DJI’s Matrice 30 Enterprise Can Fly in Heavy Rain, Snow

(Photo: DJI) DJI has been relentless with its impressive releases as of late, shipping a high-performing first person view (FPV) drone around this time last year and the highly-anticipated Mavic 3 in January. But DJI seems to have done it again with the Matrice 30, a new commercial drone made to be environmentally adaptable and more durable than any of its predecessors. 

The Matrice 30 (M30) and its thermal imaging-capable sibling, the M30 T, are made for heavy use by enterprise-level operators. The M30 possesses redundancy systems like dual flight control system sensors, dual control signal links, dual intelligent batteries, dual transmission links, and obstacle sensor system redundancies in case of failure, and the drone’s three-propeller emergency landing feature works to prevent significant damage. At 8.2 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight despite its tenacity, and it can be folded for easy travel. 

(Photo: DJI)

DJI’s “most advanced drone” title previously went to the M300 RTK, a $13,000 device boasting advanced AI capabilities and a tough build. But despite having operated effectively in a downpour in some marketing materials, DJI itself has said not to fly the M300 RTK in heavy rain or snow—a major roadblock for operators who may need to be able to use a drone in harsh conditions. In contrast, the M30 is made to withstand temperatures from -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F), resist 15 m/s winds, and endure heavy precipitation. Its 7-inch widescreen DJI RC Plus controller and dock (the latter of which can communicate up to 7km away) are also made to withstand such conditions, making it reliable when and where other drone models wouldn’t be. 

Of course, all that power comes at a price. Beyond the M30’s and M30 T’s $9,999 and $13,999 respective starting prices, the series’ weatherproof dock requires a power supply and an internet connection (though it does have a backup battery in case of any power gaps). Both models also have a maximum flight time of 41 minutes, which isn’t quite as long as some of DJI’s other drones. Perhaps most importantly, DJI notes the drone’s “advanced functions cannot yet be used in jurisdictions where a human pilot must stay within the drone’s line of sight or maintain physical control of the drone by holding a controller.”

Both the M30 and M30 T are slated for official release in Q4 2022. 

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