DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise will be a big hit for search and rescue operations

A small and compact drone which is capable of very big things - DJI has launched its much-anticipated Mavic 2 Enterprise, writes Heliguy’s James Willoughby. This state-of-the-art foldable and portable UAV boasts a range of features and puts safety and life-saving at its very heart.

What is the Mavic 2 Enterprise?

As the name suggests, this modified version of the popular Mavic 2 focuses very much on enterprise, with a particular emphasis on the way it can transform the day-to-day operations of emergency service and rescue personnel. Thanks to an extended port, a range of accessories can be fitted onto this smart-looking model, which will greatly assist in a variety of critical missions.

These helpful add-ons include the M2E Spotlight, which enhances vision in low-light areas and can pinpoint the exact location of a missing person, while the M2E Speaker provides efficient communication between ground teams during an emergency situation. Then there’s the M2E Beacon, which gives visibility during nighttime flights. The value of these accessories is highlighted by Tom Shainberg, Devon & Cornwall Police Drone Chief Pilot. Giving his verdict on the spotlight, he said:

“This not only assists in reaching the person, but the ability to illuminate an area during a rescue operation will improve the safety of those within the rescue environment and help the incident commander make decisions.”

This is especially useful on a cliff, as placing a source of lighting is very difficult. The spotlight of the Mavic 2 Enterprise can illuminate the operation mid-air, as it hovers above the water.

What other features does the Mavic 2 Enterprise have?

Other key features of the Mavic 2 Enterprise include a refined imaging system. Among the highlights is the 2x optical zoom camera, allowing the drone to operate in close-range missions without putting the operator in danger. It also has a 3x digital zoom, 4K/30p video recording capabilities at 30 frames per second and a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor.

Users will no doubt be delighted with the 24GB of internal storage available, while the password-protect mode will give peace of mind that data is kept safe. This feature also gives organisations complete control over when and where the Mavic 2 Enterprise is flown.

Mavic 2 Enterprise Flight Time

To further boost missions, the Mavic 2 Enterprise has an extended flight time of up to 31 minutes and a maximum speed of 72kph. What’s more, the self-heating battery works in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C); a crucial factor as accidents and incidents can happen at any time of the year.

Safety Features on the Mavic 2 Enterprise

In-flight safety is also a crucial part of the Mavic 2 Enterprise, with features such as the advanced sensing system, DJI AirSpace technology, Advanced Pilot Assistance System and OcuSync 2.0 technology, which supports automatic dual frequency band switching, producing a more reliable and stable flight and enhanced transmission. This is particularly important in remote areas, where connection might be unstable. The user experience is complemented by the fact that the drone is compatible with numerous apps, including DJI Pilot and DJI FlightHub. These features are crucial when it comes to rescue operations and the Mavic 2 Enterprise’s omnidirectional obstacle sensing system keeps the drone at a safe distance away from cliffs, vegetation and the rescue teams. Shainberg said:

“OcuSync 2.0 provides a stable connection and better picture quality, with a 1080p max downlink, the auto frequency switch, and a longer operation range.”

They say that good things come in small packages and this is certainly true of the Mavic 2 Enterprise. Weighing in at just 2lbs (including modular accessory) and described by DJI as the world’s smallest and most powerful drone built for commercial users, this model is compact, foldable, slim, easy to carry and ready to go within minutes.

It’s manoeuvrability and size are major advantages when it comes to search and rescue operations. Ricky Fidler, Dorset Police Drone Chief Pilot, said:

“We are responsible for the initial intelligence and this is where a drone comes in handy. Particularly in areas like a cliff where there is no direct access by foot, the aerial overview is invaluable. One of the biggest advantages of the new Mavic 2 Enterprise, other than being very reliable, is its small dimensions, the short set-up time and how simple it is to use.”

But the Mavic 2 Enterprise isn’t confined to emergency and search and rescue operations.

Can the Mavic 2 Enterprise be used for Inspection or Law Enforcement?

This mighty piece of kit has many strings to its bow and can be utilised by businesses who want to safely carry out inspections and maintenance on infrastructure such as powerlines, cell towers and bridges, without getting too close.

Then there’s the police, who are using the Mavic 2 Enterprise to fight crime, especially over large geographical areas like Devon and Cornwall. Aerial imaging from police drones like the Mavic 2 Enterprise can help identify the location of a suspect and then evaluate the risk level when the crime scene needs to be scouted from a distance due to safety or tactical reasons. This is particularly useful for operational decision making, especially if a subject has access to a weapon.

On top of this, DJI’s new release is equipped with a set of new low-noise propellers and a dynamic zoom camera, meaning that drone deployment is swift and unobtrusive, allowing officers to capture detailed images of the scene without flying any closer.

“I can see the use and deployment of drones going from strength to strength in this area. They create opportunities for us to look at the way we approach each incident and then how we manage those incidents more effectively and with fewer risks. The Alliance Drone Team and I feel confident that the feature set of the new Mavic 2 Enterprise will mean that it will add value to a wide variety of police operations.”

The Mavic 2 Enterprise Universal Edition (featuring the M2E Spotlight/Speaker/Beacon accessories) is available at heliguy.com for £2,069.