DJI FlyCart 100 Unveiled: Heavy-Lift Drone with 80kg Payload Redefines Cargo Logistics

DJI has launched the DJI FlyCart 100 (FC100), marking a significant leap in heavy-lift cargo Drone Technology. Unveiled today, this flagship drone boasts an 80-kilogram (176-pound) payload capacity, targeting industrial, emergency, and logistical applications. Designed to operate in demanding environments, the FC100 promises to reshape cargo transportation with its advanced features, as announced by DJI in China. Professionals and serious enthusiasts alike can expect a versatile tool for tackling complex missions.

Enhanced Payload and Flight Performance

The FC100 supports a maximum takeoff weight of 149.9 kilograms (330 pounds), a 60% increase over its predecessor, the FlyCart 30. A single battery lifts 80 kilograms (176 pounds) over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), while dual-battery mode handles 65 kilograms (143 pounds) across 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). Without payload, it achieves a 26-kilometer (16.2-mile) range, showcasing its endurance.

At 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) altitude, it sustains a 70-kilogram (154-pound) single-battery load or 50 kilograms (110 pounds) with dual batteries, with a maximum flight altitude of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). The drone features 62-inch carbon fiber propellers and a coaxial dual-rotor system, enhancing thrust and reducing blade vibration. This setup, paired with 420A ESCs, delivers greater torque and faster response, supporting missions in rugged terrains.

Advanced Safety and Technology Upgrades

Safety remains a priority with the FC100’s comprehensive upgrades. A newly designed parachute deploys above 80 meters (262 feet) when fully loaded, limiting descent to 7 meters per second (23 feet per second), protecting both cargo and aircraft. The drone integrates high-precision LiDAR capturing 300,000 points per second, millimeter-wave radar optimized for low-visibility conditions, and a quad-vision system with five-direction fisheye cameras, enhancing obstacle avoidance. An IP55 rating ensures durability against dust, light rain, and winds up to 12 meters per second (26.8 miles per hour), while operating in temperatures from -20°C to 40°C (-4°F to 104°F). Additional safety features include cargo obstacle avoidance, low-altitude flight limits, and an AR display for detecting people and vehicles, making it ideal for high-risk scenarios.

Operational Benefits and Innovative Features

The FC100’s aerial hoisting system offers flagship and dual-battery configurations. The flagship version includes a 30-meter (98-foot) retractable cable with a 1.2 meters per second (3.9 feet per second) retraction speed, supporting real-time weighing, automatic anti-sway, and active hook opening/closing for efficient loading. The dual-battery mode suits simpler operations with ground unloading, featuring real-time weighing and one-key fusing. Power comes from a 41-ampere-hour DB2160 battery, enabling 9-minute fast charging with 12,000W or 15,000W chargers, and a hot-swap function reduces downtime. The O4 transmission system provides a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) link, with 4G enhancement and image-transmission relay for obstructed areas. The RC Plus 2 controller, with a 7-inch 1400-nit display and IP54 rating, supports dual-operator mode.

Industry Impact and Software Integration

Zhang Xiaonan, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI, stated, “DJI has always responded to industry expectations with technological innovation,” underscoring the FC100’s role in enhancing transportation efficiency and safety. The Delivery App introduces loading/unloading guidance, multi-view assistance, and one-key automation, while the Delivery Cloud software offers mission planning, AR waypoint support, and fleet coordination. The PSDK Eport-lite provides a 3000W external interface and cloud-to-cloud docking 2.0, expanding compatibility with third-party applications. This positions the FC100 to drive low-altitude transport globally, with deployments in Japan, Europe, and South America targeting mountain engineering, power, and emergency services.

Economic and Regulatory Outlook

Priced from 89,999 yuan ($12,500) with a standard charger to 119,999 yuan ($16,700) for the top package with a high-power station, the FC100 appeals to professional markets. Its 70-liter EPP cargo box and winch mode with a 20-meter (65.6-foot) cable cater to diverse needs, potentially lowering operational costs. However, U.S. regulatory approval remains pending, though the FlyCart 30’s FAA compliance suggests a pathway. The drone’s global rollout could influence industry standards, boosting economic models for logistics and emergency response by 2025.

Technical Specifications and Practical Applications

The FC100’s technical prowess includes a maximum single-axis tension of 82 kilograms (181 pounds) and a 32% strength efficiency improvement, reflecting its robust design. It supports a 1500-meter (4,921-foot) maximum flight height and integrates front/rear active phased-array radars and binocular vision from the FlyCart 30, now enhanced with the new sensors. The drone’s 4-axis, 8-propeller configuration ensures stability, while a battery insulation box maintains performance in cold climates. Practical uses span emergency rescue, firefighting, power line maintenance, and logistics, with its ability to handle all-weather conditions and complex scenarios, as detailed on the Chinese version of the DJI website.

Future Implications for Drone Industry

The FC100’s launch accelerates DJI’s global strategy, addressing transportation bottlenecks with China’s technological edge. Its support for PSDK and third-party loads fosters innovation, potentially attracting new entrants to the market. As low-altitude logistics grow, the FC100 could set benchmarks for payload, safety, and efficiency, influencing regulatory frameworks and economic viability. With its comprehensive feature set, the drone stands ready to expand operational possibilities for professionals worldwide.

The FC100’s blend of power, safety, and adaptability marks it as a transformative force in drone logistics, poised to meet diverse challenges.