LTE for DJI Drones: Paladin’s EXT C2 Link Extends the Range for DJI’s Matrice Lineup [VIDEO]

Paladin Launches EXT LTE Module with DJI Integration

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Today, software and drone manufacturer Paladin Drones launched Paladin EXT, an LTE module that integrates with DJI technology in order to assist departments in establishing drone-as-a-first-responder (DFR) programs more quickly and effectively.

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Paladin founder Divy Shrivastava was introduced to the world of public safety in 2016 when a friend’s home burned down. Upon speaking with the local fire chief, he learned that a fire doubles in size every 30 seconds, and that first responders lack adequate information when arriving on the scene as a result of 911 callers typically being panicked and lacking the training to assess a scene.

When a campus church was destroyed by another fire during his freshman year at Berkeley, Shrivastava was inspired to found Paladin. The goal of the company was to deploy autonomous drones in response to 911 calls, providing first responders with a live overhead view of the scene before arrival, granting greater situational awareness and faster response times.

Last year, Paladin released its Knighthawk autonomous drone, featuring an LTE connection enabling BVLOS flight, as well as its Watchtower DFR software, able to manage drone flight, multi-device live video feed, and data management in a single platform.

LTE for DJI Drones

The next step in Paladin’s goal of providing first responders with a one-stop solution for a more effective DFR response, Paladin EXT features direct integration with DJI’s Matrice 300 and Matrice 30 through its PSDK port to make full use of its LTE connection’s extended range.

“Paladin’s mission is to build technology that saves lives. Every department that wants DFR should be able to use it – it’s our responsibility as a company to remove barriers to make this happen,” said Paladin CEO and founder Divy Shrivastava. “Now, with the EXT module, departments won’t need to purchase new equipment to do it. It brings the ease of use and unlimited range of Paladin’s C2 link to the amazing capabilities of DJI’s Matrice lineup, making DFR more accessible than ever before.”

LTE connection enables drones to fly safely beyond a 3-mile radius, bypassing the limitations in range and scalability faced by traditional radio-based drones. With LTE, agencies and departments are able to forego the need for larger fleets and remote-pilots-in-command and eliminate unnecessary costs. LTE offers a 3:1 coverage in comparison to radio-controlled drones. It also plays a major role in helping Paladin acquire BVLOS waivers without the requirement of a visual observer for its existing customers and partners.

“I built Paladin to help first responders save lives, as easily as possible – every product we release has that on top of mind,” added Shrivastava. “With the EXT, we bring the best of Paladin – our unlimited range LTE C2 link, one- touch autonomous controls, true BVLOS flights, data management, etc – to the best all-around drones on the market today. Our first responders (and anyone else with an M300 and M30) can now use existing inventory to fly BVLOS safely and without range anxiety.”

EXT is currently available for purchase directly from Paladin Drones, with both further information and the ability to schedule a virtual demo available on the company’s website.

Read more about DJI drones:

• DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series: 2 New Portable Commercial Drones, for a Wide Range of Applications
• In-Depth Review of the DJI Mini 3 Pro: A Professional Drone for Under $1,000
• Top Models DJI Drones Ready for Remote ID
• DJI Mavic 3 Earns C1 EU Exam Certificate, in a World’s First: What that Means for Pilots
• DJI Mavic 3 Review: The Swiss Army Knife of Drones