The DJI Dock 4 features a battery-swapping system that allows a drone to return to the air in under 45 seconds. The station charges two 925 g battery packs, each rated at 260 Wh, simultaneously. Charging from 15% to 95% takes approximately 27 minutes. The dock weighs 66 kg and supports operation during power outages using backup energy from the battery packs.
The system is compatible exclusively with the Matrice 5TD drone and the DJI O4 Ground Station. The drone features three 50 MP cameras, a laser rangefinder with a 3,000 m reach, and thermal imaging. It includes LiDAR, mmWave radar, and AI-based object detection for 17 types of targets. The hardware operates in temperatures ranging from minus 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.
The Matrice 5TD supports a payload of up to 450 g, including a speaker, spotlight, and parachute. In China, the kit comprising the Dock 4, the drone, and the ground station is available for ¥167 999, which is approximately $25 000. The hardware currently lacks FCC authorization, preventing its sale in the United States due to regulatory restrictions on foreign-made drones.
The FCC has added foreign-made drones and critical components to its Covered List as of December last year. A proposal from August suggests that previously authorized drones with thermal or LiDAR sensors could also be removed from the market. As of October 17, no final order has been issued, though the proposal would allow a 180-day window for companies to cease imports.
