DJI has released the DJI AP100 Parachute that ensures safety for one of its flagship drones, its payload, and the people below it.
The DJI AP100 Parachute is designed for the DJI Matrice 400 drone, which is made for enterprise use. The goal is to significantly reduce the risk if the drone malfunctions midflight.
This is especially important for the Matrice 400, which is used for public safety, surveying, inspections, and cargo delivery in sensitive areas.
That said, such a use case poses serious risks like flight instability, which could then cause the drone to crash, damage its payload, and possibly cause accidents to the people or any objects below it.
That’s where the AP100 Parachute comes in. It attaches to the back of the drone, so you can still change the drone’s battery easily. It is relatively lightweight at just 935g and can only reduce flight time by around 6 minutes.
Like the drone itself, it is also IP55 weather-resistant and works at temperatures of -20°C to 50°C and at altitudes of up to 4,500 meters.
What makes it special is that it is smart enough to detect problems mid-flight. When it does, it automatically cuts the motor power through a dedicated Flight Termination System. It will then fully deploy the parachute in under 600 milliseconds.
Once out, it can slow down the drone’s descent to less than 5 m/s. It also has its own flight controller, backup power that lasts for up to an hour, and intelligent systems that avoid accidental deployment.
After a safe landing, it will play an audible alarm and a blinking light for faster recovery. This accessory also meets the EASA C5/C6 and UK CAA European regulations.
The DJI AP100 Parachute retails for USD1,050 (~Php64,700) and is available through DJI Enterprise Distributors.