DJI Matrice 4D Series: An IP-rated drone solution

The new Matrice 4D and 4TD are IP rated and can be used separately from DJI Dock 3.

Both the Matrice 4D and 4TD have an IP55 rating
They follow the Matrice 4 Series, which drones do not have an IP rating
It is one of a host of enhancements to feature in the Matrice 4D and 4TD, launched alongside the DJI Dock 3

The recently-launched DJI Matrice 4 Series drones offer plenty - but they do not feature an IP Rating.

But thanks to the arrival of the DJI Dock 3, that’s no longer the case.

The latest generation of the drone-in-a-box brings with it the DJI Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD - IP-rated drones which can be used with and without the dock.

It essentially offers operators all of the perks of the Matrice 4 Series (Matrice 4 Enterprise and Matrice 4 Thermal), but with the all-important weather-proofing: Especially beneficial for public safety and search and rescue operations.

DJI has said that these 'standalone' versions of the DJI M4D and the M4TD will be available at a later date - but you can sign up for stock notifications from heliguy™.

Notable different specifications compared to the 4E and 4T?

Model	4D	4TD	4T	4E
IP Rating	IP55	IP55	Unrated	Unrated
Max take-off weight	2090g	2090g	1420 g (standard propellers) 1430 g (low-noise propellers)	1420 g (standard propellers) 1430 g (low-noise propellers)
Dimensions	377.7×416.2×212.5 mm (L×W×H, without propellers)	377.7×416.2×212.5 mm (L×W×H, without propellers	Folded (without propellers): 260.6×113.7×138.4 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (without propellers): 307.0×387.5×149.5 mm (L×W×H)	Folded (without propellers): 260.6×113.7×138.4 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (without propellers): 307.0×387.5×149.5 mm (L×W×H)
Max flight time (without wind)	54 minutes	54 minutes	49 minutes (built-in RTK module)	49 minutes (built-in RTK module)
Wide-angle camera image sensor	4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP	1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP	1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP	4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP
Tele-camera night scene mode	Full-colour night scene mode	Full-colour + back and white	Full-Color Night Scene Black-and-White Night Scene	Full-Color Night Scene
Infrared thermal camera	No	Yes	Yes	No
Laser Rangefinder	1800m range	1800m range	1800 range	1800m range
Foldable Arms	No	No	Yes	Yes

IP55 - A welcome addition

The Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD possess an IP55 rating - ensuring they can fly in some ultra-tough conditions.

And durability is firmly at the heart of both the DJI Dock 3 and the 4D/4TD, which can both land at 12m/s and operate comfortably between 50c and -30c.

Yet versatility is also integral.

One standout feature of the Dock 3 is that it is DJI’s first drone-in-a-box capable of being attached to a vehicle via a gimbal mount, dramatically extending the potential reach for automated flights and other tasks, such as search and rescue missions.

However, like a good goalscoring midfielder, both the Matrice 4D and 4TD are comfortable both inside - and outside - the box.

Drone on your back

With the standalone combo, the pair can be packed up and deployed away from the dock when used with DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise.

That combo includes a charging unit and a carrying case, which effectively acts as a drone backpack allowing the pilot to comfortably carry both the drone and up to four batteries.

However, it unlocks even more potential (and range) - and provides operators with a truly elite, next generation enterprise drone capable of being deployed for jobs the 55kg DJI Dock 3 simply may not be needed for.

‘A no-brainer’

And utilising the Matrice 4D and 4TD as standalone drones is in many ways a no-brainer, given their elite capabilities.

The sub-2kg drones have a maximum flight time of 54 minutes and boast an array of state-of-the-art cameras alongside an ultra-accurate laser range finder.

Additionally, the Matrice 4TD - a drone that will clearly appeal to first responders - also includes a thermal camera along with a NIR auxiliary light capable of illuminating an area 100m away.

The new arrivals don’t have foldable arms - unlike the Matrice 4 Series.

When launched from the DJI Dock 3, the Matrice 4D Series can be airborne within ten seconds.

In short, the 4D and 4TD’s arrival will be music to the ears of DJI fans reluctant to plunge for the Matrice 4 Series due to the lack of an IP rating - and their versatility will delight many fans, with or without the Dock 3.

Keen to utilise either the DJI Dock 3 or the new Matrice 4D or 4TD range? Please contact heliguy so our expert team can assist.

Ian Johnson

Written By

An award-winning former journalist with over a decade of experience in the British press, Ian held several senior positions at newspapers before moving into public relations. Having worked both in-house and at an agency managing all PR operations, Ian's worked on several major PR campaigns securing coverage with major international titles including CNN, the New York Times, BBC and The Sunday Times.