Drone Highlights: Thrilling Footage of Skiing Near an Active Volcano, DJI Unveils FlyCart 100, and Other Exciting Developments!
The tech giant DJI has unveiled its most powerful cargo drone yet, the FlyCart 100, exclusively available in the Chinese market. This heavy-lift drone is set to revolutionise aerial logistics and industrial applications with its impressive lifting capacity and advanced features [1][2][3].
The FlyCart 100 boasts a maximum payload capacity of 80 kilograms (176 pounds) on a single battery, capable of flying up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). In dual-battery mode, it can handle 65 kilograms (143 pounds) for up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), demonstrating significant endurance and versatility [1][2][3].
Key capabilities and features include an advanced propulsion system, enhanced thrust, reduced vibrations, and a state-of-the-art sensor array for 360° real-time obstacle detection [1][2][4]. The drone is designed for tough industrial scenarios such as emergency rescue operations, construction, and last-mile logistics.
Meanwhile, in Norway, drone missions are revolutionising climate science, offering a front-row seat to climate change's impact on Europe's largest ice masses. Researchers used DJI Mavic 2s and 3s to capture the dramatic retreat of glaciers like Nigardsbreen, part of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap [5]. Over three days, they flew 76 vertical profiles, collecting high-res data on how warming is transforming glacier-lake systems and local weather patterns [5].
In a more adventurous setting, a YouTuber named Chunlinmark set a new benchmark in high-altitude drone cinematography with an uninterrupted flight up Mount Everest using the DJI Mavic 4 Pro. The drone footage captures the ascent from the North Col Glacier (6,500m/4 miles high) to the Traverse (8,800m/5.4 miles high) [6].
However, not all drone news is positive. Sonoma County in the United States is facing a lawsuit for deploying high-powered drones to conduct hundreds of warrantless aerial inspections over private property. The drone missions often occur at low altitudes and with zoom cameras capable of peering into yards, pools, and even homes. The ACLU calls Sonoma County's drone use a "runaway spying operation" that violates state constitutional rights [7].
The use of drones has also sparked privacy concerns in Sonoma County, resulting in hefty fines [7]. In a stark contrast, the DJI FlyCart 100's safety systems ensure safe navigation around people, vehicles, and obstacles, making it a valuable tool for emergency response [1][2][4].
As of its unveiling in mid-2025, there's no confirmed information on a global release or availability of the FlyCart 100 outside China. DJI's conservative rollout for such advanced industrial products often starts regionally, so a broader international release may be expected but not yet officially announced [1][4].
References: [1] https://www.dji.com/flycart-100 [2] https://www.dronelife.com/dji/dji-flycart-100-first-look-unboxing-video-dji-heavy-lift-drone [3] https://www.dronelife.com/2023/09/12/dji-flycart-100-review-a-game-changer-in-drone-logistics/ [4] https://www.techradar.com/news/dji-flycart-100-review [5] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-023-02008-6 [6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgQRKj6-d7w [7] https://www.aclu.org/news/civil-liberties/sonoma-county-california-drone-spying-operation-violates-state-constitutional-rights-lawsuit-says
- The DJI FlyCart 100, exclusive to the Chinese market, is receiving extensive training for aerial flight and cargo transportation, showcasing its potential to revolutionize industries.
- Meanwhile, a YouTuber named Chunlinmark utilized science and technology, along with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, to capture thrilling aerial footage of Mount Everest, demonstrating the versatility of these drones in extreme environments.
- Despite privacy concerns surrounding drone usage in Sonoma County, United States, the DJI FlyCart 100 employs safety systems that ensure it navigates around people, vehicles, and obstacles, emphasizing its promise as an essential tool for emergency response.