DJI Matrice 400 Release and Main Features

The DJI Matrice 400 (M400) is DJI’s newest flagship enterprise drone platform. It’s designed for high-end applications such as public safety, inspection, emergency response, and construction (AEC). It builds on the foundation of the Matrice 300 (released in 2020) and the Matrice 350 (2023), offering major upgrades in flight time, payload flexibility, obstacle detection, and intelligent features.

For comparisons between M300, M400 and M600, please check: here.

Key Hardware Features

• Flight Time and Endurance
  The M400 offers a maximum flight time of 59 minutes with a standard payload and approximately 53 minutes hover time. With a 3 kg payload, it achieves about 44 minutes, and with the maximum payload of 6 kg, it still manages 31 minutes of flight time. This represents a 50% improvement in endurance compared to the Matrice 350.

• Flight Speed
  The M400 can fly at a maximum speed of 25 meters per second. It has an ascent speed of 10 meters per second and a descent speed of 8 meters per second, improving operational efficiency during takeoff and landing.

• Payload Capacity and Configuration
  The drone supports single, dual, and belly-mounted gimbal configurations. It features 4 built-in E-Ports, with one capable of expanding into 4 additional E-Ports. Up to 7 payloads can be mounted simultaneously. Payload capacity has been increased to 6 kg, more than double the M350's capability.

• Compatible Payloads
  Compatible payloads include the H30 camera series, P1 mapping camera, L2 LiDAR, S1 spotlight, V1 loudspeaker, and the Manifold 3 onboard computer. The M400 does not support older payloads like the H20 or L1 due to changes in hardware interfaces.

• Battery System
  The TB100 high-capacity battery (20,000 mAh) supports hot swapping. Built-in capacitors provide 45 seconds of backup power, allowing GPS and core systems to remain active during a swap. The battery supports 400+ charge cycles and is available in a tether-compatible version for extended hovering.

• Battery Charging Station (BS100)
  The BS100 station holds three TB100 batteries and offers rapid charging from 0% to 100% in 45 minutes (220V). It includes options for quiet mode, health monitoring, firmware updates, and auto-discharge.

• Controller (RC Plus 2 Enhanced)
  The updated controller has a brighter display, more processing power, and includes support for sub-2 GHz frequencies using a clip-on antenna. It improves ergonomics and introduces back buttons for quicker access during flights.

Transmission and Connectivity

• O4 Enterprise Enhanced Transmission
  Under FCC regulations, the drone can transmit video up to 40 km. Under CE/SRRC standards, it reaches up to 20 km. It also supports dual 4G dongles for automatic network switching to maintain stable connections in urban environments.

• Relay Capability
  The M400 can act as a signal relay for another M400 or M4 drone. This is useful for extending range in difficult terrain. Operators can set up one drone to relay the signal while flying another, and the controller displays battery levels, signal strength, and real-time positioning for both drones.

Obstacle Sensing and Safety

• Triple Sensor System
  The M400 combines three advanced sensing systems:

  1. Horizontal Rotating LiDAR mounted on top, detects thin wires (e.g. 21.6 mm at a 30-degree angle) and provides a 360-degree horizontal and 58-degree vertical field of view.

  2. Millimeter-Wave Radar is embedded in all six directions and detects obstacles like 12.5 mm wires up to 36 meters away. It functions well in fog, rain, or low light.

  3. Full-Color Fisheye Vision Cameras cover all four sides of the drone and provide real-time video for enhanced situational awareness. The downward vision sensor is black-and-white.

• Environmental Resilience
  The M400 has an IP55 rating, offering protection against dust, rain, and strong winds. Its operating temperature range is from -20°C to 50°C, making it suitable for extreme environments.

• Emergency Safety Features
  The drone will not take off if arms or batteries are not properly secured. It includes anti-collision beacons, and in the event of failure, it supports a three-propeller emergency landing mode if conditions allow. An ADS-B receiver alerts the pilot to nearby manned aircraft.

Intelligent Flight and AR Capabilities

• Augmented Reality (AR) Overlays
  AR visuals help pilots see power lines, roads, addresses, and landing zones directly in the FPV view or on the map. This increases flight safety and communication clarity.

• Smart Flight Planning
  The M400 includes intelligent features such as:

  • Cruise control with speed and direction lock

  • Tap-to-fly to specific map points

  • Orbiting points of interest (POI)

  • Real-time terrain following, both automated and manual

  • Live map annotations for lines, polygons, and areas

• Tracking and Detection
  AI-powered SmartTrack enables detection and tracking of vehicles, people, boats, and manually selected objects using both visual and thermal imagery.

• Opto-Rail Feature
  Marks the field of view of the camera on the map in real-time, which is particularly useful for search and rescue operations.

3D Mapping and Photogrammetry

• Smart 3D Capture
  With the P1 camera, the M400 can perform a quick flyover, generate a preliminary 3D point cloud, and then automatically calculate a photo-capture route based on desired resolution. The result is a high-detail 3D model.

• Slope and Geometric Path Support
  The M400 supports complex flight paths for mapping sloped terrain and other uneven surfaces, ideal for surveyors and mapping professionals.

Maritime Operations

• Boat Mode for Takeoff and Landing
  The M400 supports dynamic takeoffs and landings on moving vessels using a 3x3m marker on deck. The drone recognizes the marker and lands accordingly, even with return-to-home canceled. The controller’s GPS can serve as a moving home point.

Payload Integration and Accessories

• S1 Spotlight
  Delivers a high-intensity, auto-aligned beam. The spotlight aligns with the camera's zoom to ensure accurate illumination.

• V1 Loudspeaker
  Supports pre-recorded messages, real-time audio, and multi-language text-to-speech. The UI shows audio directionality for precise communication.

Software Ecosystem

• DJI Pilot 2
  The primary app for controlling the drone and accessing intelligent features.

• DJI FlightHub 2
  Enables live streaming, remote planning, payload control, and mission sharing. Also available in an offline mode for secure operations.

• DJI Terra & DJI Modify
  For post-processing of 2D/3D maps and point clouds. Allows editing, annotation, and sharing of models.

Data Security and Offline Operations

• Encryption and Privacy
  SD cards can be password protected. A local data mode disables all external communication. Logs can be deleted directly from the app before service or after sensitive missions.

• Offline Firmware Updates and Custom Maps
  Firmware can be updated using an SD card without internet access. Custom map layers can be imported using standard map tile formats (.mbtiles), ensuring full operational flexibility in disconnected environments.

Comparison with the Matrice 350

• The M400 offers approximately 50% longer flight time with payload.

• It doubles the payload capacity (6 kg vs. ~2.7 kg).

• Adds mmWave radar and LiDAR sensing in addition to visual systems.

• Supports up to 7 payloads simultaneously with new mounting architecture.

• Includes longer range (up to 40 km FCC), enhanced controller, and expanded accessory compatibility.

Use Cases

• Public Safety
  Real-time video, speaker and spotlight control, AR overlays, and terrain-following for efficient incident response.

• Search and Rescue
  Terrain-aware auto flight paths, live annotations, SmartTrack, and long hover time for overnight missions with tether battery.

• Maritime Patrol
  Boat landing mode, long-range communication, and improved stability make it suitable for offshore operations.

• Power Line Inspection
  Auto-follow for transmission lines, thin-wire detection, and high-resolution LiDAR support.

• Survey and Mapping
  Smart 3D capture, slope planning, and terrain tracking with DJI Terra and DJI Modify.

• Notable Project Example
  DJI used the M400 to map the Great Wall in extreme wind conditions, completing the mission in just 3 hours and producing a detailed 3D model.

For comparisons between M300, M400 and M600, please check: here.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, readers should consult with qualified experts or local authorities before making decisions related to agricultural drone use, regulations, or investments.

DJI Matrice 400 ("M400")
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