DJI Soars into 2021 with New Enterprise Model

Coming off a year marred by conflict with the U.S. government, Chinese drone giant DJI is hoping to soar into bluer skies in 2021 with the release of the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced (M2EA).

Building on the solid reputation of the popular Mavic series, M2EA is geared toward enterprise markets such as agriculture, mining, construction, inspection and surveying. A DJI news release notes: “the M2EA has also received some serious enhancements that take the entire series to the next level. This includes huge upgrades to the thermal and visual cameras alongside the addition of an RTK module that enables vastly superior real-time positioning precision.”

Check out some of the features M2EA boasts:

Massive 48 MP Visual Camera

Compared to the older model’s 12 MP visual camera, the M2EA moves up to 48MP with a maximum image size increase of 8,000 x 6,000. A half-inch CMOS sensor coupled with 32x digital zoom transforms the new model into, what DJI calls, “the most powerful cameras ever seen on such a lightweight aircraft.”

Upgraded Thermal Imaging Drone Capability

DJI enhanced the M2EA’s thermal sensor array to 640×512 thermal resolution at a 30 Hz frame rate which in turn improves image detail—a significant jump from the previous model’s 160×120 resolution. The sensor also sports a 16x zoom along with Dual Vision, allowing users to switch among thermal, visual, or split-view feeds during an operation.

Advanced RTK Module

With a new and advanced Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) module, the M2EA can provide accuracy to within centimeters. A satellite positioning technique, RTK can combine and compare data from both physical and virtual stations to correct the M2EA’s camera location. Additional modules include a spotlight with 11lx light intensity at 30 meters, a 100db loudspeaker and a visibility beacon with up to 3 miles of range.

Faster Take-Off Speeds

Improvements to the M2EA allow operators to speed up take-off. “With the M2EA, a trained operator can unpack, prepare, and take off in under a minute,” the company says, adding that the maximum ascent speed has been increased to 6 m/s, allowing the drone to launch quicker. In addition, the M2EA now has an increased max descent up to 5 m/s which will save battery life.

Enhanced Waypoint Missions

Finding its way through the everchanging skies won’t be an issue for the M2EA with a new waypoint system that can handle up to 240 waypoints. “Coupled with the RTK module, this makes it one of the most advanced compact inspection drones to date.” Operators can automate routine routes  and capture precise data points on each flight, automatically capturing visual or thermal images.

The nitty gritty: Specs for the geeks

Finally, here’s the specs for the M2EA for all the drone geeks:

• Takeoff Weight (Without Accessories) – 909g
• Max Takeoff Weight – 1,100g
• Dimensions (L×W×H) – Folded: 214×91×84mm, unfolded: 322×242×84mm (dimensions will vary depending on modules and payload).
• Tilt: 7 m/s (S-mode), 4 m/s (P-mode)
• Max Speed – 72 kph (S-mode, without wind), 50 kph (P-mode, without wind)
• Max Service Ceiling Above Sea Level – 6000 m
• Max Flight Time – 31 min (measured while flying at 25 kph in windless conditions, flight time will vary depending on modules and payload)
• Max Wind Speed Resistance – 10 m/s (scale 5)
• Max Tilt Angle – 35°(S-mode, with remote controller) – 25°(P-mode)