DJI Dock 3: Review

• The DJI Dock 3 is the latest drone-in-a-box device to hit the market and represents a significant move forward in the technology;

• It is the first DJI dock capable of being vehicle-mounted - a ‘genuine gamechanger’ for several sectors utilising automated drone flights;

• The DJI Dock 3 is paired with two new DJI enterprise drones; The Matrice 4D or 4TD;

• Not only is it more versatile, but the IP56 device is more durable and intelligent, with a new feature enabling it to detect changes on the ground automatically on established flight routes.

The DJI Dock 3 has arrived - and the world’s leading drone manufacturer further pushes the boundaries of what a ‘drone-in-a-box’ can achieve.

More durable, intelligent, and versatile than its impressive predecessors, the DJI Dock 3 is paired with either the all-new DJI Matrice 4D or 4TD.

Both enterprise drones offer much improved flight and protection performance, and boast multiple state-of-the art cameras along with a laser rangefinder. Additionally, the new Matrice 4 range of drones can be modified to benefit from LiDAR and millimetre-wave radar technology, thanks to a new obstacle avoidance module (available separately).

And crucially, these drones can be deployed independently of the Dock.

However, the DJI Dock 3’s versatility is perhaps its most eye-grabbing evolution

It is DJI’s first drone-in-a-box capable of being mounted on a vehicle.

“For search and rescue missions and the emergency services, the mounted function is a gamechanger,” said Jack Sharp, Head of Training at heliguy.

How durable is the DJI Dock 3?

Boasting an impressive internal IP56 rating, the DJI Dock 3 isn’t going to let you down - and is built to withstand some relatively brutal weather conditions.

Additionally, the new IP55-rated Matrice 4 series drones can both operate and charge in extreme temperatures, as high as 50c and as low as -30c.

For context, the average winter temperature in Siberia is around -20c and given the cover can still open with 10mm of ice atop the odds of weather stopping play for your DJI Dock 3 are almost non-existed.

Additionally, both the DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD both come equipped with low-noise anti-ice propellers, so even in freezing rain or winds exceeding 40kmh, both UAVs can comfortably maintain a stable flight.

Dock on-the-go

This is the first DJI drone capable of being mounted on a vehicle. As mentioned, for so many purposes, this truly is a gamechanger.

Perhaps the biggest benefit is how that extends its operational range.

Put simply, while the dock is static, its reach is limited. But once it moves, so does the range’s limit.

And once attached using a vehicle-mounted gimbal mount, it means the dock can be moved closer to wherever it is needed; So for example, if there’s a forest fire, you can drive the DJI Dock 3 closer to the blaze before deploying the drone automatically - meaning you can still get near the scene without having to risk a pilot’s safety by being near the disaster site.

With dual-dock deployment, if a vehicle had two docks onboard - given the lightning quick 27 minute charging time - it even allows for continuous deployment.

Yet the benefits are also there for inspections and surveys. Simply put, mounting the dock on a vehicle gives you a mobile launch point - dramatically increasing the area it can cover.

"DJI clearly built the Dock 3 with public safety firmly in mind, and I think in sectors such as the emergency services, the vehicle mounting aspect will open a lot of eyes towards the immense benefits of drone-in-a-box technology,” said , Ruairi Hardman, heliguy’s Business Development Manager

Matrice 4D and 4TD: Lights, Camera, Action

And (quite literally) at the heart of the Dock 3 are two immense pieces of aerial hardware.

Boasting an extended 54 minutes of forward-flight time and 47 minutes of hovering, both the DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD are an impressive evolution of the Matrice 3D and 3TD hidden within the Dock 2.

And if mapping is your aim, then the Matrice 4D is the drone for you, as it has been purposely designed for high-precision, detailed inspections - while the 4TD’s infrared thermal camera makes it a superb choice for public safety and emergency service jobs.

Additionally, Night Scene Mode offers impressive full-colour night vision, while with the 4TD, users also benefit from IR-Cut Filter features for striking black and white night vision. 

While both are IP55 rated there are some slight differences in what they feature.

Matrice 4D and 4TD: At A Glance

‘I’m genuinely excited for the 3rd party payload integration, while the auto-detect and capture feature during flight will be brilliant when it comes to having a more automated workflow,” said Odysseus Vrakas, a heliguy Training Instructor with over a decade of experience as a commercial drone pilot.

“In terms of imagery, the Matrice 4D and 4TD’s improved sensor size (4/3) will significantly enhance image detail and lower light imagery.”

How can I enhance the DJI Dock 3

And if you want to get the most from the DJI Dock 3, there’s a raft of super-cool add-ons that can enhance your experience.

The DJI AL1 SpotLight can illuminate objects up to 100m away - roughly the length of a football pitch - and when connected with the gimbal, it can follow the camera’s every move to light-up the view.

It also features a real-time voice speaker that, from a distance of 1 meter, is as loud as a rock concert.

Reaching 114 decibels, the DJI AS1 speaker can broadcast everything from recorded messages and media imports up to 300m away - whilst also featuring text-to-speech conversion.

And in complex environments where precise manoeuvring is vital - such as 12mm powergrid line wires, the Obstacle Sensing Module can be added to both enterprise drones with LiDAW and millimetre-wave radar technology. 

‘An innovation’ - use as an airborne relay 

One cool new feature is the ability to use the new Matrice 4D series drones as airborne relays.

When operated with DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise remote, the onboard relay function allows one drone to be flown high as the relay in order to extend another drone’s operation range - even in harsh, obstructed conditions and without a 4G signal.

For critical missions - and in extreme terrain such as mountains - this could be enormously beneficial.

How intelligent is the DJI Dock 3?

Very - especially when paired with DJI FlightHub 2.

Once a flight route is established, it can automatically detect any notable changes on the ground.

If there are new vehicles, vessels or temperature anomalies then it will record the evidence and send notifications back to the operator via the new intelligence change detection feature.

So if you are using the DJI Dock for inspections - be it security or environmental protection - then this feature is a winner.

BVLOS-ready

And as drones head deeper into the age of automation, the DJI Dock 3 is crucially BVLOS-ready.

It features geocaging in order to prevent flyaway, while pilots can pre-set a no-landing zone (such as a highway) where the drone won't touchdown even when faced with a critical low battery.

The emergency landing function will also keep it away from any manned aircraft in the highly unlikely case a problem arises.

At heliguy, we received our own groundbreaking BVLOS permission utilising DJI's dock so if you are interested in pursuing BVLOS flights, heliguy's team are uniquely positioned to help you navigate the regulatory process and secure the permissions required to help make that a reality.

DJI Dock 3: Data Security

DJI Dock 3 and FlightHub 2 utilise robust data security protocols.

Users must opt-in to share photos and videos with DJI.

FlightHub 2 has obtained ISO 27001 certification, issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI), which proves that the design, development, and operational services of DJI FlightHub 2 comply with the information security management standards.

Any personal data shared for account registration is further secured with AES-256 encryption. Operators can easily delete any data they have shared through their DJI account or by contacting DJI Support.

How can heliguy help?

With our industry-leading expertise and pioneering CAA approval for BVLOS flights, our team is uniquely positioned to assist businesses aiming to unleash the transformative potential for the DJI Dock 3 - and automated flights in general.

We can assist on every potential step - from training and technical support to helping you navigate the regulatory process in securing your own Operating Safety Case (OSC).

Interested in finding out how we can help your business? Get in touch and contact heliguy so our expert team can help you.