DJI FlyCart 100: New Delivery Drone Boasts 100-kg Payload Capacity
DJI has introduced the FlyCart 100, marking a major advancement in commercial delivery drone technology with capabilities that significantly exceed its predecessor. The heavy-lift platform features a 100-kilogram maximum payload capacity, integrated LiDAR terrain mapping, and a comprehensive multi-sensor safety suite designed for demanding operational environments.
The FlyCart 100 employs a coaxial four-axis, eight-rotor configuration with larger motors and 62-inch carbon fiber propellers to achieve its enhanced lifting capacity. DJI reports the drone can carry 65 kilograms for 12 kilometers on two batteries, or 80 kilograms for 6 kilometers using a single battery in emergency configurations. The system incorporates hot-swappable 41Ah batteries with integrated thermal management to maintain performance in extreme cold weather, addressing a critical operational challenge in diverse climate zones.
A standout feature is the new Flagship Winch System, which deploys a 30-meter cable with electric hook and automatic or manual release mechanisms. This innovation enables operators to place cargo in confined or hazardous areas without landing, significantly expanding delivery options in challenging terrain. The retraction system operates at 1.2 meters per second, providing precise load placement capabilities.
The safety architecture combines integrated LiDAR for terrain mapping, millimeter-wave radar for omnidirectional detection, a penta-vision camera system, and a factory-installed parachute that reduces descent to 7 meters per second during emergency deployments. The drone operates across temperatures from -4°F to 104°F, manages winds up to 27 mph, and functions at altitudes reaching 20,000 feet with IP45 dust and rain protection ratings.
DJI’s ultra-fast charging system, compatible with the C12000 charger and D14000iE generator, promises recharge cycles under 20 minutes, reducing turnaround time in continuous operations. The new DJI Delivery App and DeliveryHub platform provide unified interfaces for route planning, real-time monitoring, team management, and comprehensive data analytics.
However, a significant commercial limitation constrains the FlyCart 100’s market impact. The drone is not available for sale in the United States due to longstanding federal restrictions on DJI products. As a Chinese company listed on the Department of Defense’s military companies roster and the Commerce Department’s Entity List, DJI faces restrictions on accessing US technology. Federal agencies cannot purchase or operate DJI drones under the American Security Drone Act, and pending legislation, including the Countering CCP Drones Act, would further restrict DJI products from US communications infrastructure. While consumer ownership of existing DJI drones remains permitted, commercial systems like the FlyCart 100 face de facto bans in the heavy-lift category requiring close coordination with US regulators and supply-chain partners.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764914446317-1164