Per the Associated Press, China’s Commerce Ministry on Wednesday said it would attach export controls to drones that could be converted and deployed on the battlefield, as well as certain equipment, such as infrared lasers.

At the same time, the country will lift unspecified temporary restrictions on certain consumer drones. About a year ago, China imposed export controls on both civilian and military drones that could be used for “non-peaceful purposes.”

The changes will take effect on September 1.

Western countries have been angling for greater restrictions on China, which is the world’s largest exporter of consumer drones, but sanctions and export controls have not entirely quelled concerns.

For example, DJI, the country’s largest drone manufacturer, suspended direct sales to Russia and Ukraine, but the company’s aircraft are still reaching the battlefield. In response, the U.S. has sanctioned individual Chinese companies suspected of supplying Russia with drones via third-party networks and countries, such as through Iran.

U.S. lawmakers have been particularly harsh on Chinese drone manufacturers, comparing DJI to TikTok and pushing for an array of restrictive bills.

One measure, the American Security Drone Act, was even included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), barring procurement of Chinese drones by federal agencies.

Another bill, the Countering CCP Drones Act, aims to add DJI, Autel, and other Chinese manufacturers to the Federal Communication Commission’s covered list, which would effectively end all new sales to the U.S. at both the federal and consumer levels. Some U.S senators are working to get the legislation added to next year’s NDAA.

The anti-China bills come amid FBI and Department of Homeland Security assessments that the drones could pose a cybersecurity threat, coupled with allegations that the aircraft are using their cameras to spy on Americans and transmit data back to China.

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Conspicuously missing from the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA), though, is an amendment that would effectively ban new Chinese drone models from flying in U.S. skies.

The Countering CCP Drones Act made it into the House version of the FY25 NDAA, which passed in June with a vote of 217-199 and was largely backed by Republicans. But when contemplating its addition to the Senate legislation, lawmakers reportedly dropped the measure after hearing from over 6,000 public safety agencies that opposed the measure.

The bill is not dead yet, however. Last week, Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced an amendment to the FY25 NDAA, cosponsored by Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), that puts the Countering CCP Drones Act back on the table in committee discussions.

Even if the amendment is rejected in the Senate, it could resurface in reconciliations between the Senate and House due to its inclusion in the latter’s version of the NDAA.

The Countering CCP Drones Act is the culmination of U.S. government efforts to restrict Chinese-manufactured drones from dominating the country’s drone industry. Lawmakers have also accused the Chinese Communist Party of using the aircraft to spy on Americans, citing its ties to state-owned entities. At present, there is no conclusive evidence to verify the claims, and manufacturers such as DJI have pushed back on the allegations.

Chinese drones have been blacklisted by the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury, and other federal agencies. The states too have taken aim at the aircraft, with Arkansas and Scott’s home state of Florida implementing the most sweeping bans.

One significant drone-related provision, the bipartisan American Security Drone Act, made it into last year’s NDAA. That measure prohibits U.S. federal agencies and federally funded programs from procuring drones manufactured in China or Russia.

Adding to the fervor, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security released a report detailing the threat of Chinese drones shortly after the NDAA was signed into law.

The Countering CCP Drones Act that will be contemplated by the Senate targets two manufacturers in particular, DJI and Autel. Those firms, and any subsidiaries, partners, or affiliates, would be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s covered list—essentially a list of companies with which the U.S. government refuses to do business.

The companies’ addition to the covered list would not impact DJI and Autel drones already being flown by hobbyists or private companies, for example. However, it would prevent the FCC from authorizing new equipment and prohibit newly sold drones from using U.S. communications infrastructure, effectively banning all sales in the country.

The legislation was first introduced in 2022 by Scott and Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in the Senate and by Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) in the House.

After failing to move it forward, Stefanik in 2023 reintroduced the bill in the House, pushing successfully for its inclusion in the House NDAA released in June. That month, the measure was also reintroduced in the Senate but did not receive enough support to be added to that chamber’s version of the bill.

DJI drones in particular are widely deployed by U.S. law enforcement and public safety agencies, who opposed the restrictions because other models are typically more expensive and less effective. Police departments in states that have not banned Chinese drones are continuing to buy them in droves.

Their efforts may be for naught, though, if the Senate is receptive to Scott’s amendment. Even if senators reject it, the measure’s inclusion in the House version of the NDAA could give it new life in the reconciliation process.

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Chinese drone manufacturer DJI on Tuesday announced the worldwide launch of Dock 2, an automated solution aimed at enterprise customers. The drone in a box offering includes a takeoff and landing hub and two new, specially designed drones, intended to automate use cases such as surveying, inspections, asset management, and security.

DJI—known for its consumer camera drones that are widely used by hobbyists in the U.S. and globally—unveils Dock 2 about six months after revealing its first delivery drone, FlyCart 30. The company launched global sales of that model in January.

At the same time, DJI and other Chinese drone manufacturers face a prolonged push by U.S. lawmakers to ban their technology among federal agencies. Lawmakers have referred to the drones as “TikTok with wings,” in reference to the allegations of spying levied against the Chinese social media app. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security, meanwhile, recently released guidance warning of potential cybersecurity threats from Chinese drone manufacturers.

DJI has pushed back against all allegations, characterizing them as “inaccurate and unsubstantiated” and a bid by the U.S. to shield its domestic drone industry from foreign competition.

DJI drones are considered some of the cheapest and highest quality models on the market for hobbyists and public safety agencies. CNBC last year estimated the company is responsible for about 7 in 10 global consumer drone sales.

“Today, far too many workers must perform repetitive but complex and dangerous jobs manually on-site,” said Christina Zhang, senior director of corporate strategy at DJI. “With DJI Dock 2, we’re delivering a cost-effective automated aerial solution to complete these jobs efficiently from a safe distance.”

DJI claims Dock 2 can capture higher-precision images and fly longer than other drone in a box solutions. The solution is 75 percent smaller and 68 percent lighter than the company’s previous generation, with a weight of 75 pounds and volume of 3.5 square feet. Its batteries can be wirelessly charged from 20 to 90 percent in just over half an hour.

Dock 2 is designed to automate aerial missions such as surveying, inspections, and mapping. The system can be programmed to automate missions, though operators at any time can step in to control the flight and gimbal angle. They can also remotely observe weather, environmental, and takeoff and landing conditions through internal and external lenses.

The system is installed on-site and can be carried by two adults, which DJI says makes it more cost effective than its predecessor. Before deploying a drone, it uses vision sensors to ensure the flight path and destination have adequate GNSS signals, reducing the site selection process from five hours to about 12 minutes, the company claims.

Dock 2 was built to accommodate two new, specially designed drones, the DJI Matrice 3D and Matrice 3TD. Both models have an estimated flight time of 50 minutes and operating radius of 6 sm (5.2 nm), capable of recharging for 400 cycles. Each includes real-time kinematic (RTK) antennas, omnidirectional sensing, and automatic obstacle avoidance.

Matrice 3D is designed for automated, 1:500 high-precision surveying and mapping missions, using a telecamera and wide camera with mechanical shutter. The 3TD is built for inspections and security surveillance, using the same tele camera and a different wide camera. The latter also includes an infrared camera, which depicts visible light and thermal images.

Dock 2 and the two drones are compatible with DJI’s FlightHub 2 software, which allows users to manage automated missions through a cloud-based platform. Flight data collected by the software could be used to create precise 3D models, allowing operators to program the drone’s camera to capture the same area during recurrent flights. This could enable automation of routine surveying operations, for example.

Operators can also use FlightHub 2’s online weather forecasting application to send warnings and terminate flight tasks as needed. The software gauges rainfall, wind speed, and temperature to identify real-time weather changes. Dock 2 is rated to IP55 and Matrice 3D and 3TD to IP54, meaning the technology offers some protection from dust and water.

DJI claims maintenance on the Dock 2 system is only required every six months. In addition, the system can operate independently for up to five hours using a built-in battery, giving the drone plenty of time to return and land in the case of a power outage.

The company also says it supports an open ecosystem for Dock 2, allowing operators to use both the company’s and third-party software and payloads. Matrice 3D and 3TD, for example, can carry third-party loudspeakers, spotlights, or parachutes using the company’s E-Port and E-Port Lite kits (both are sold separately).

The intended customers for Dock 2 are likely public safety and law enforcement agencies, which could deploy the system for a range of potential use cases. However, state lawmakers in Florida and Arkansas have already enacted bans on Chinese-manufactured drones for their respective agencies. More states could follow as federal lawmakers continue efforts to restrict the drones’ use by agencies such as the Department of Defense.

A 2022 Washington Post report revealed that DJI, despite claims to the contrary, has received funding from “several state-backed investors,” including the state-owned SDIC Unity Capital fund. However, the manufacturer has denied allegations of government control over its activities, such as that China could compel it to aid in espionage activities. Users must opt in to share data such as flight logs, photos, or videos with the company—none of that information is collected by default, it claims.

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The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) this week released a report highlighting the threats posed by Chinese manufacturers of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)—including DJI, which accounts for an estimated 7 in 10 global sales of consumer drones.

The report, titled “Cybersecurity Guidance: Chinese-Manufactured UAS,” holds no legal standing but recommends critical infrastructure and cybersecurity safeguards to American firms at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels. Its publication comes after 16 lawmakers wrote to CISA Director Jen Easterly in March, requesting an investigation and report on DJI’s U.S. activity—and the security risks it may raise.

“Without mitigations in place, the widespread deployment of Chinese-manufactured UAS in our nation’s key sectors is a national security concern, and it carries the risk of unauthorized access to systems and data,” said Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division. “The FBI and our CISA partners have issued UAS guidance in order to help safeguard our critical infrastructure and reduce the risk for all of us.”

The FBI and CISA contend People’s Republic of China (PRC) laws expand the government’s legal grounds to access and control data held by Chinese firms. Chinese-made UAS are frequently used in U.S. critical infrastructure operations, which could expose sensitive information to the PRC, the agencies claim.

The report further lays out the vulnerabilities and consequences for U.S. drone firms operating without the proper cybersecurity protocols. The fear is that widely used strategies are inadequate, giving China access to key data that could support its aims—and decimate U.S. national and economic security.

“Our nation’s critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, chemical, and communications, are increasingly relying on UAS for various missions that ultimately reduce operating costs and improve staff safety,” said Dr. David Mussington, executive assistant director for infrastructure security at CISA. “However, the use of Chinese-manufactured UAS risks exposing sensitive information that jeopardizes U.S. national security, economic security, and public health and safety.”

The report comes amid a wave of bans targeting Chinese drone manufacturers. U.S. lawmakers have referred to the aircraft as “TikTok with wings,” in reference to the alleged spying taking place on the popular, China-owned social media platform.

Despite China’s decision to curb drone exports amid escalating tension in Russia and Ukraine, lawmakers are still wary of DJI and others. One provision made it into the recently approved defense policy bill, banning the procurement and use of China- and Russia-made drones at the federal level. Another bill, introduced by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), proposes restrictions at state and local levels.

“The new CISA report makes clear that Communist Chinese drones present a legitimate national security risk to our critical infrastructure and must be banned from the U.S.,” Stefanik and Gallagher said in a joint statement on Wednesday. “The [Chinese Communist Party] has subsidized drone companies such as DJI and Autel in order to destroy American competition and spy on America’s critical infrastructure sites. We must ban CCP-backed spy drones from America and work to bolster the U.S. drone industry.”

Like the lawmakers, the report does not provide hard evidence of espionage. Rather, it outlines the conditions in China and the U.S. that could allow the PRC to acquire sensitive data.

Stefanik and Gallagher were not alone in their praise. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), a global UAS industry trade group, also applauded the report, challenging Congress to end China’s “monopolistic control” of the U.S. market in favor of domestic manufacturers.

“China’s dominance of the global drone market poses a multitude of challenges for the U.S., and the CISA and FBI warning affirms the threat PRC drones present to our national security,” said Michael Robbins, chief advocacy officer of AUVSI. “As CISA and the FBI noted in their memo [Wednesday], in the interest of national security, organizations collecting sensitive information, including critical infrastructure owners and operators, must shift away from unsecure PRC drones and reliance on foreign supply chains.”

The report’s release comes less than one week after DJI launched global sales of its first delivery drone, unveiled in August. Some observers worry the aircraft—which is more powerful than the company’s consumer drones—could be modified for war, as has been the case in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Threat and Mitigation

According to the FBI and CISA, any UAS can pose cybersecurity risks. But China’s laws give the country’s government expansive legal grounds to control data held by Chinese firms, they warn.

“The use of Chinese-manufactured UAS in critical infrastructure operations risks exposing sensitive information to PRC authorities, jeopardizing U.S. national security, economic security, and public health and safety,” the agencies wrote.

A 2017 law, for example, requires Chinese companies to cooperate with state intelligence services and share data collected domestically and abroad. These include firms identified by the U.S. as “Chinese military companies,” such as DJI.

The PRC’s 2021 Data Security Law expanded government control over companies and data within China, with strict penalties for noncompliance. Data collected under the policy is essential to China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy, the FBI and CISA said. The strategy aims to usurp the United States’ strategic advantage by providing access to advanced technology and expertise.

Another 2021 law requires Chinese firms to disclose cyber vulnerabilities discovered in their systems to the PRC before sharing them publicly or overseas. This, the agencies maintain, may provide the opportunity for China to exploit system flaws before they are widely known.

The FBI and CISA argue that each UAS adds a node that could be the target of a cyberattack. These could take the form of data transfer and collection via internet-connected devices such as cellphones, patching or firmware updates, or even downloads through other systems in the network, such as docking stations.

The attacks, according to the agencies, could expose U.S. intellectual property to Chinese companies, reveal details and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, or lead to theft or sabotage. This could allow the PRC to undermine the competitive advantage of American firms or disrupt key U.S. services, for example.

To mitigate these threats, the FBI and CISA recommend U.S. public and private companies procure only UAS that adhere to CISA’s secure-by-design principles. These call for drones to be built in a way that protects against malicious cyberattacks. The agencies also encouraged firms to consult the Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared List, which lists drones that comply with U.S. federal cybersecurity policies.

Beyond those recommendations, the report suggests using multifactor authentication or isolated networks to limit breaches, or contain them to one part of the organization. Firms should also research their manufacturers and supply chain providers, as well as the laws to which they are subjected. Software should be updated regularly, and data should be encrypted and deleted from the UAS once transferred and stored.

The Outlook

It’s important to note that the FBI and CISA guidance is just that: guidance. The report won’t have any direct effect on U.S. policy regarding Chinese drone manufacturers. But it could hurt the opinions of lawmakers and operators on DJI and other foreign manufacturers.

In the U.S., there is already a sizable faction of lawmakers and citizens who fear spying by Chinese drones, as evidenced by the myriad proposals to ban the aircraft. Companies are also somewhat split. Some share the above concerns. Most, though, continue to use the drones because they are often cheaper than American-made alternatives, which has kept DJI’s market share robust.

Detractors of the proposed bans worry that restricting Chinese drones is hasty and shortsighted.  The argument is that U.S. customers will be forced to buy more expensive, domestically produced UAS, which could price some of them out. Switching to American-made aircraft would require training on new systems. It could also hamper the quality of the tech—DJI drones are considered by many to be the best available.

In short, the U.S. faces a dilemma. If the threats from Chinese-made UAS are real, lawmakers have a duty to protect the American public. But either way, banning the drones will likely create a few unhappy customers. The government will need to decide if the tradeoffs are worth it.

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China’s DJI, the market leader in consumer drones since 2015, this week announced that its recently unveiled FlyCart 30 model is now available globally. The company kicked off sales in China in August. But the international expansion marks its true entry into the drone delivery space.

Prior to last year, DJI made drones almost exclusively for hobbyists or industrial customers. Most of these are camera drones, equipped with features such as high-definition lenses and video recorders. Others are designed for surveillance and inspection, with thermal or infrared sensors, mapping software, and advanced communications systems.

Despite the Chinese government’s alleged involvement in DJI, the company’s ascent has largely been organic, fueled by its reputation for low cost, high quality products. Its drones have been used to film high-profile TV shows such as Game of Thrones, The Amazing Race, Better Call Saul, and American Ninja Warrior, and have developed a following among American users. They’ve also been discovered on the battlefield in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, often in modified forms.

DJI’s presence in the U.S. has drawn the ire of lawmakers, who have decried the company’s products as “TikTok with wings” and leveled accusations of spying, without concrete evidence. Bans at the federal and state levels have taken aim at it and other Chinese manufacturers. In December, lawmakers successfully included sweeping restrictions in the recently passed defense policy bill.

However, with the exception of a few states, the restrictions only hamper DJI at the federal level. American companies will still be able to purchase the buzzing aircraft, though the manufacturer will compete for business with established U.S. players such as Zipline and Google parent Alphabet’s Wing.

The Specs

DJI says FlyCart 30 can be deployed for a variety of use cases: last-mile delivery, mountain or offshore transportation, emergency rescue, agriculture, construction, surveying, and more. This week’s announcement did not list a price tag, but the model is on sale in China for $17,000.

FlyCart 30 is a multirotor design featuring eight blades connected by four shared axes. Carbon fiber propellers, powered by a pair of built-in-house batteries, provide lift. Measuring 9-by-10-by-3 feet, the model enters the market as one of the largest short-range delivery drones.

Despite its size, the drone tops out at about 45 mph (39 knots). With both batteries installed, it can carry a 30-kilogram (66 pound) payload over a distance of about 8.6 nm, remaining airborne for only 18 minutes. In emergency single-battery mode, the payload rises to 88 pounds but range is cut in half.

However, FlyCart 30 is more durable than the average delivery drone. It has an IP55 rating, meaning it protects against dust and moderate rain, and can fly in winds as fast as 27 mph. The drone can also operate in temperatures as high as 122 degrees or as low as minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit—its batteries heat themselves, maintaining performance even in the freezing cold.

In addition, the drone’s propellers are optimized to fly at up to 19,600 feet agl, or up to 9,800 agl with a 66-pound payload—far higher than the 400-foot altitude occupied by most delivery drones today. This will allow FlyCart 30 to serve China’s mountainous landscape and hard-to-reach locations in other countries.

For beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, FlyCart 30 can communicate with a remote controller as far as 12 miles away. But its unique Dual Operator mode extends that range by allowing pilots to transfer control of the drone with the push of a button.

During flight, a suite of sensors and visual systems can detect obstacles in multiple directions, in all weather conditions, day or night. A built-in ADS-B receiver alerts crewed aircraft of the drone’s approach. And in case of emergency, an integrated parachute can deploy at low altitude for a soft landing—or the drone can automatically pick an alternate landing site.

FlyCart 30 comes in two configurations, both of which can fold down for transport in a “standard-sized vehicle.” In cargo mode, payloads are placed in a 70-liter case built from material commonly found in the reusable packaging industry. Capable of being installed or removed in under three minutes, the case includes weight and center of gravity sensors to prevent swaying in the air.

Customers can also opt for winch mode, which is ideal for deliveries to inconvenient landing sites. A winch crane can carry up to 88 pounds of cargo, releasing it automatically at the delivery location on a 65-foot cable. Augmented reality projection is used to guide the cable to the landing point.

A FlyCart 30 purchase comes with the aircraft, batteries, charging hub with cables, and DJI’s RC Plus remote controller. In addition, FlyCart can be linked with the company’s DeliveryHub software, which provides operation planning, status monitoring, team resource management, and data collection and analysis.

Viewable on the RC controller is Pilot 2, another software that displays real time information on flight status, cargo status, battery power level, and more. Pilot 2 also alerts operators of potential risks along the flight path and generates alternate landing points in the case of extreme weather or other abnormal conditions. From the controller, users can even view flights live through the drone’s first-person view gimbal camera.

The Outlook

DJI has held the pole position in consumer drones for nearly a decade. The company could continue to bring in billions of dollars in annual revenue by specializing in that area. But the launch of drone delivery signals the firm’s ambitions run deeper.

Rather than selling exclusively to individual hobbyists, DJI can now reach enterprise customers such as retailers or medical organizations. That segment is less susceptible to macroeconomic swings and could help the company stabilize revenue. Skydio, the largest consumer drone company in the U.S., recently shuttered its consumer business entirely, electing instead to pursue enterprise customers.

Working in DJI’s favor is its already established international network of dealers and customers. The firm has become a trusted brand in the consumer drone space, and many companies and organizations—which could become drone delivery customers—are already familiar with DJI systems and interfaces. Some of them already use the company’s other drones.

A potential concern, however, is FlyCart 30’s niche. The drone doesn’t fit neatly into a single category: its limited range and flight time suggest it will hone in on the last mile, but its size and weight make it better suited to deliver heavy cargo rather than food and groceries. Medical payloads could be a good fit (DJI has said as much) but the company would need to compete with Zipline, whose drones can fly 190 miles on a single charge. As of January, Zipline has completed nearly 900,000 deliveries worldwide.

In addition, FlyCart 30’s 143 pound empty weight with both batteries installed would exceed the FAA’s limits for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). To fly in the U.S., DJI would require type certification or an exemption to Section 44807 of Title 49 of U.S. Code. The European Union and New Zealand, two other emerging drone delivery markets, have similar rules.

DJI may be able to overcome those restrictions in other foreign countries, but breaking into the U.S. market could be challenging. For years, American lawmakers have targeted it and other Chinese manufacturers with bans, though these only restrict the technology at the federal level. However, a few states have already shown willingness to pass their own bans.

Further, U.S. lawmakers are pushing legislation that would extend DJI bans to the consumer level, restricting hobbyists and potentially even businesses from flying the drones. But DJI has made one thing very clear: Global scale, not regional, is the objective.

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The NDAA includes language that would prohibit federal agencies and federally funded programs from purchasing or using drones manufactured in countries that are viewed as threats to U.S. national security: namely, China and Russia. It’s now a signature from President Joe Biden away from becoming law.

While the legislation did not name specific companies, the restrictions would take aim at China’s DJI—the largest consumer drone company in the world by market share—and Autel, which isn’t far behind. According to Drone Industry Insights, DJI owns 73 percent of the U.S. market.

The drone-related provisions in the NDAA come from the American Security Drone Act (ASDA) of 2023: one of several protectionist bills introduced to shield American skies from the supposed threat of Chinese and Russian drone surveillance. Lawmakers have characterized the aircraft as “TikTok with wings,” alluding to allegations that the Chinese social media platform spies on its users.

The bipartisan legislation was first introduced in the Senate in February and was added to the NDAA in July. An identical House version of the bill was introduced in November.

The NDAA’s passage was cheered by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), one of architects behind the Senate ASDA bill, and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), an original cosponsor of the House bill.

“Getting this bill passed in this year’s NDAA is a massive win for our national security and the safety of Florida families,” said Scott. “Communist China has been known to spy on us, using companies like drone maker DJI, who are obligated by law to report back to the evil regime, to carry out its information collection missions…The U.S. will now no longer spend taxpayer dollars to let Communist China spy on us through their drones.”

At present, there is no conclusive evidence that the Chinese government or Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using drones from DJI or other manufacturers to spy on American citizens or assets. However, lawmakers continue to decry the potential for sensitive information to be beamed back to China. They also worry the drones are being used for other nefarious purposes.

For example, allegations that DJI drones are being used by the Chinese government to surveil Uyghur muslims prompted the Department of Defense to dub it a “Chinese military company,” a characterization the firm swiftly denied. However, despite China’s restriction of drone exports, DJI technology has been discovered in drones on the battlefield in Russia and Ukraine and the Middle East.

Lawmakers’ concerns are shared by some within the drone industry. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), for example, lauded the NDAA’s inclusion of ASDA language, urging the Biden administration to sign it into law quickly.

“Prohibiting federal agencies from purchasing or operating non-secure drones, especially those produced by Chinese firms, is a necessary step in protecting our nation from cyber risks, espionage, and sabotage,” said Michael Robbins, chief advocacy officer of AUVSI. “Rational, tailored country-of-origin drone restrictions like those within ASDA are critical to protecting U.S. national security…American reliance on foreign adversaries for drone technology must end.”

While lawmakers on both sides of the aisle appear to support the ASDA language, detractors argue that country-of-origin bans are simply unnecessary. Some contend that the legislation props up technologically inferior, domestic drones at the expense of models from foreign manufacturers such as DJI, which are considered by many to be the best available.

“There is legislation pending in Congress today that addresses a national security situation that has been created out of thin air,” Steve Sherman, a former Iowa House candidate, wrote for RealClearPolicy. “Furthermore, the legislation is protectionist and an attempt to shield inferior products from competition abroad. Congress does not have the time to tackle mythical national security threats when there are real ones that go unaddressed every day.”

Like it or not, however, the ASDA is poised to become law in the not-so-distant future. And it could have a significant impact on the U.S. drone market.

What’s in the Bill?

Scott and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the original ASDA legislation in February, garnering cosponsors from both parties.

At a high level, the proposed bill called for a ban on federal procurement and operation of foreign, commercial off-the-shelf drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufactured or assembled in “covered” countries, or those the U.S. views as hostile. China—and entities thought to be under its control—are on the list. The bill also proposed prohibiting state and local governments from procuring covered tech using federal funding.

In July, Scott and Warner celebrated the bill’s addition to the NDAA, which put it on the radar of others on Capitol Hill. The language can be found under Title XVIII Subtitle B of the published text of the final NDAA, titled “Drone Security.”

Digging deeper, the legislation directs the Federal Acquisition Security Council and the Department of Transportation to develop and update a list of banned aircraft and components. Two years after passage, federal departments would be prohibited from using them.

In addition, all federal agencies would be required to collect data on their existing inventories of banned technology, which the government could track “at a classified level.” And within nine months, the U.S. Comptroller General would need to submit a report on the number of restricted drones procured by the government. Another required report would examine covered drone supply chains.

But there are several proposed exemptions to the restrictions.

The Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, and Transportation, FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and a few other agencies could still procure covered drones if they’re absolutely necessary for their missions. The first three, for example, could acquire banned technology if it’s in the U.S. “national interest” and would be used for research or counterterrorism purposes. Agencies would also be able to apply for waivers.

Notably, the ASDA language would not apply to any U.S. “intelligence activities.” State, local, or territorial law enforcement and emergency service agencies using non-federal dollars to procure banned tech would also be exempt. However, a few of them have taken matters into their own hands by introducing state-level bans on DJI and other drones, which are very popular among public safety agencies.

What It Means

The ASDA language only targets foreign drone use and procurement at the federal level, which means—for now—that DJI hobbyists will be unaffected. But that could change.

The U.S. has a long-standing aversion to Chinese drones. Its first success in weeding out the technology came in 2019 with the passage of the 2020 NDAA. That legislation prohibited the Department of Defense from acquiring and using drones manufactured in covered countries for military use, and the Department of Energy from doing so for defense activities.

Since then, DJI and other Chinese firms have been placed on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List, blacklisted by the Treasury Department, and even targeted via executive order. But many of these are considered “de facto” bans, holding little sway over actual government activities.

The ASDA language in the NDAA would change that. And if lawmakers are feeling emboldened, they could push for another piece of legislation that proposes more sweeping restrictions. The Countering CCP Drones Act, introduced in April by Gallagher and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), could extend bans on Chinese drones to hobbyists, which in DJI’s case is its most popular segment.

The bill calls for DJI and others to be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) covered list, preventing their tech from using FCC infrastructure. And with the FAA’s Remote ID rule taking effect March 16, almost all drones will be required to communicate using that infrastructure—which means even recreational drones could be grounded. Those rules would also apply to DJI’s recently unveiled delivery drone.

There has been little movement on the legislation since it was introduced. But with continued lobbying from American drone firms—and the impending expiration of federal counter-drone authority on February 3—lawmakers may be motivated to snuff out the perceived threat quickly.

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Welcome to FLYING’s Black Friday drone discount guide, your source for the best uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology available at cut price. We rounded up the biggest and best deals from manufacturers such as DJI, Autel, and Holy Stone to help match you with the perfect drone for your price point and preferred activity, as well as a few drone pilot training courses available at a discount.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the deals. But before you make your purchase: Make sure the drone is ready for the FAA’s Remote ID rule, which takes effect in March, by visiting the agency’s Declaration of Compliance website.

Deals on DJI Drones

No company produces more consumer drones than China’s DJI. Unsurprisingly, the manufacturer is getting in on the Black Friday action with several major discounts on flagship products. We’ll start with deals on the company’s website, which run through Monday.

Best Value: DJI Avata Pro-View Combo ($999)

The Avata is a relatively new arrival to DJI’s catalog, and at a 30 percent discount off its usual $1,428 price tag, now is as good a time as any to try it out.

Considered one of the top camera drones on the market, the first-person view (FPV) UAV comes with intuitive motion control and video stabilization for shooting 4K super-wide footage. Weighing just less than 1 pound, the model is lightweight and portable for filming on the go.

Users can watch the flight live from the drone’s perspective—allowing them to get a better vantage point for video or photography—through a pair of goggles with dual 1080p micro-OLED screens, which are included in the Pro-View Combo. Video is transmitted to the pilot in 100 frames per second (fps) quality.

The bundle comes with the drone, pair of goggles, joystick controller, batteries, power adapter, and more. DJI is also offering the Avata Explorer Combo, which comes with an upgraded version of the Pro-View bundle’s goggles, for 30 percent off ($889).

Best for New Flyers: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo ($699)

Now available at an 18 percent discount for $699, the Mini 3 Fly More Combo is perfect for beginners. 

The Mini 3 is one of DJI’s most popular and user-friendly models, ideal for hobbyists still getting used to flying. As its name implies, the drone is small—it weighs just more than half a pound, making it one of the most portable models out there.

But it packs a punch: The Mini 3 is DJI’s longest lasting camera drone, with a flight time of 51 minutes. It also transmits video over distances as far as 6 miles and can fly in winds up to 20 knots.

The Fly More Combo includes the drone, remote controller, batteries, chargers, and other accessories and spare parts. Customers can use the UAV to shoot 4K high dynamic range (HDR) video, which appears live on the remote controller’s 5.5-inch high-definition display.

For a slightly cheaper alternative, shoppers can instead opt for DJI’s regular Mini 3 bundle for $609, normally $699. It comes with the drone and controller but fewer accessories. The Fly More Combo is also being offered for the Mini 2 SE, on sale for $449 at a 12 percent discount. That model has a shorter flight time and lower video quality but otherwise returns many of the same features as the Mini 3.

Best for Sport: DJI FPV Combo ($899)

Like the Avata, DJI’s FPV drone gives users an immersive experience, providing them with goggles to wear while they fly. But this model is geared more toward recreational flyers than photographers and cinematographers. At $899, it’s on sale for 10 percent off its usual price.

Experienced pilots are the target market for the FPV Combo—skilled flyers can race the drone or take it out for a joyride. While the UAV is in the sky, they view the action through a 150-degree field of vision, transmitted to the goggles in 4K video from as far as 6 miles away.

Recently, DJI introduced a hybrid flight mode for the FPV drone called S Mode. Switching to this configuration allows the user to combine manual flight with simplified controls from previous DJI models. The model also comes with an emergency brake and hover system, which allows it to stop it in its tracks with the push of a button. Other safety features include return-to-home capability and auxiliary bottom light.

Similar to the Avata and Mini 3, the FPV Combo comes with an assortment of accessories and parts, including goggles and a remote controller.

Other DJI Deals

Beyond drones and drone bundles, DJI is offering deals on accessories and other products. 

The company’s second-generation goggles, for example, are 20 percent off, while the Osmo Action 3 camera standard combo is available at a 15 percent discount. The manufacturer’s Air 2S Fly More Combo is also 20 percent off, though the bundle is listed as out of stock on its website.

In addition, savvy shoppers can find a plethora of DJI deals on other retailers’ sites. Bundles and individual drones can be bought at a discount from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and other familiar big box brands.

Non-DJI Deals

DJI dominates the consumer UAV market. But it’s not the only manufacturer producing acclaimed drone technology—or offering it at a discount. Here are a few more companies getting in the Black Friday spirit.

Best Value: Autel Robotics Evo Lite Premium Bundle ($949)

DJI’s largest Chinese rival, Autel Robotics, is hosting its own Black Friday sale, slashing some prices by as much as 40 percent through November 30. The best deal of the bunch might be on the Evo Lite Premium Bundle, which normally sells for $1,499 but is available for just $949, around a one-third reduction in price.

The Evo Lite is a four-axis gimbal design built for vertical video shooting, with a 50-megapixel camera, 0.8-inch image sensor, and the ability to capture 4K HDR or 60 fps footage, even at night. It can fly for as long as 40 minutes and transmit clear video up to 7.4 miles away.

For photographers on the go, the Evo Lite is a solid choice. The drone’s arms and propellers fold into a tight package for easy travel. And in rugged or challenging environments, the model uses three-way obstacle avoidance to dodge obstructions in front of, behind, and below it.

If that doesn’t suit your fancy, Autel is also offering deals on several Evo II, Evo Nano, and Evo Max models.

Best for Beginners: Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone ($180)

Holy Stone is best known for designing drones for novice flyers, and the company has several models available at a discount on Amazon Prime. 

The best deal, though, is arguably on its HS720E GPS Drone—shoppers can save $220 using an on-page coupon. The user-friendly design comes with an electronic image stabilization camera that shoots in 4K, with a 130-degree field of view. 

The HS720E can fly for up to 46 minutes, and pilots have a range of simple commands at their disposal, such as Follow Me, Point of Interest, and Smart Return to Home. In addition, features such as Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and Optical Flow simplify the flying experience.

Other Holy Stone models on sale for the holidays include the HS280, HS430, and HS710, as well as the H260, which is designed to be simple enough for a child to fly.

Best Value Per Pound: HoverAir X1 ($329)

Manufacturer Zero Zero’s HoverAir X1 is lighter than most smartphones and even tinier than the DJI Mini series—and it’s on sale for $329 through Nov. 28.

The pocket-sized drone takes off from the palm of the user’s hand with the push of a button, flying entirely on its own. There is no controller—instead, the user can select from an array of intelligent flight commands, including hover, follow, orbit, zoom out, and bird’s eye.

In addition to being incredibly portable, the fully enclosed design is durable and elastic. That helps it avoid damage to the frame or injuries to onlookers below in the case of a crash.

The X1 shoots 2.7K video at 30 fps, as well as 1080p HDR video. Three layers of stabilizing technology and an onboard positioning system prevent shaky footage and allow the drone to fly indoors.

While customers can receive the X1 at a 15 percent discount on the official HoverAir store, Amazon Prime members can get $100 off the normal list price.

Here are a few other deals that caught our eye:

• Exo Drones Blackhawk 3 Pro: $100 off at Best Buy
• Potensic Atom 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Drone: $80 off on Amazon
• Sanrock U52 with 1080p HD camera: 31 percent off on Amazon

Drone Pilot Courses and Workshops

This season’s Black Friday deals cover more than just drone hardware.

Pilots don’t need FAA approval to fly recreationally, so long as they follow the agency’s guidelines for recreational flyers and community-based organizations. But to fly commercially, for business or otherwise, a Part 107 remote pilot certificate is required.

The process is relatively straightforward: According to the FAA, less than 1 percent of the 4,500 applicants seeking Part 107 remote pilot permissions every month are rejected. 

But for those who want to ensure they pass with flying colors the first time around—or stay knowledgeable about the rules years later—there are several training courses available at a discount.

Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA), for example, is offering several remote pilot guidebooks at a discount for the holidays, including the second edition of The Complete Remote Pilot. Here are a few Black Friday-specific offers:

Pilot Institute Drone Courses

The Pilot Institute has rolled out its annual Black Friday discounts, and there are a few courses being offered for less than half the typical price.

The big ones are its Part 107 commercial license training and Drone Business Made Easy course, available at discounts of 57 percent and more than 80 percent, respectively. Shoppers can save even more by bundling the two for $139 rather than the usual $449—that’s close to 70 percent off.

And for those still learning the ropes of drone piloting, the institute’s Drone Flying 101 guide is on sale for just $19—it typically costs $100.

Interested in getting the most out of one of the camera drones above? The Pilot Institute has you covered there too with its drone photo and video master class and real estate photo and video course, each 60 percent off. And for those looking to make a career out of flying drones, a guide to Part 107 waivers is available for $50, one-third the usual price.

Drone Launch Academy Courses

Looking for an alternative Part 107 course at a discount? Through Cyber Monday (November 27), Drone Launch Academy is offering its test prep program for $99.50. The course was already a great value at $199, but now it’s half off—and comes with four free months of a Drone Launch Connect Membership.

For an even lower price point, the academy is also offering 50 percent off Part 107 test prep gifts. These include flashcards or a study guide ebook for $19.50 each, and a study guide audiobook for $24.50.

Beyond those deals, all of the academy’s non-Part 107 courses and workshops are also available at half price. These cover topics such as mapping and modeling, aerial videography, real estate, and building a drone business from scratch.

Drone Pilot Ground School Part 107 Test Prep

Time is running out for this one—the Drone Pilot Ground School’s “Fly-Day” sale ends Friday, so now is the time to take advantage of the school’s discounted Part 107 test prep courses, which are considered some of the best out there.

The academy is offering three different levels, each $107 off in a nod to the FAA regulation. Its self-study program is now available for $192, while a guided study costs $232. A guided study with flight training runs for $418.

And the best part about all this? Drone Pilot Ground School has a “pass-or-don’t-pay” policy, so customers don’t need to break the bank on a program that doesn’t work for them—even if it’s at a discount.

That just about covers the biggest Black Friday deals and discounts on drone technology and resources, but if you’ve read this far, you’re probably new to flying drones. So, we’ll leave you with a few models aimed at new flyers and children:

• Potensic A20 Mini Drone: 29 percent off on Amazon
• Contixo F19 with 1080p camera: 42 percent off at Walmart
• DEERC D20 Mini Drone: 50 percent off on Amazon

With that, happy shopping—and don’t forget to check on that pesky Remote ID compliance!

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Ukraine is ready to take its military drone production to the next level, according to comments from Oleksandr Kamyshin, the Ukrainian minister of strategic industries who oversees the country’s defense industry.

Speaking at the NATO-Industry Forum in Stockholm this week, Kamyshin said Ukraine is preparing to produce thousands of the uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) every month. The aircraft have been widely deployed by both Ukraine and its Russian adversaries over the course of the war in Eastern Europe, which entered its 21st month this week.

“By the end of this year, it would be dozens of thousands [of drones] a month,” Kamyshin said. “And that’s something we grow even faster than conventional warfare ammunition and warfare weapons.”

What Ukraine Already Has in the Sky

Kamyshin did not provide an estimate of Ukraine’s current drone output. But the country’s forces have relied upon a wide variety of the aircraft, including suicide or kamikaze drones, such as U.S.-made Switchblade loitering munitions; large combat UAVs such as Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2; insect-sized surveillance drones such as Norway’s Black Hornet; and hobbyist or first-person-view drones from China’s DJI.

Frequently, Ukraine deploys the aircraft in swarms, with the goal of overwhelming Russian air defenses and hitting key targets—the idea is to “exhaust” the enemy, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put it.

Often, air defenses will neutralize smaller swarms. But occasionally, one or a handful will get through, striking enemy soldiers or assets. Drones have also allowed Ukraine to hit targets deep within Russian territory—including in Moscow.

“There is such a wide range of different types of drones, with such wide accessibility, that they are becoming a new category separate and different from manned aviation, yet integrated with ground operations,” Audrey Kurth Cronin, director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Institute for Security and Technology, told FLYING. “Just because drones fly in the air does not mean they are just like advanced aircraft. That is not the case.”

Buying Local

Toward the beginning of the conflict, Ukraine largely relied on foreign-made drones. However, in recent months the focus has turned to boosting local production. Kamyshin at the NATO-Industry Forum said all of the country’s defense production capabilities have increased greatly. But they’re still short of what’s required.

“Speaking about shells, for instance, we produce times more now than for the whole (of) last year,” he said.

One way the country has ramped up drone production is through the “Army of Drones” initiative, which launched in July 2022 through a partnership between Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and United24, a Ukrainian government-run fundraising platform.

The initiative has loosened import restrictions and taxes for UAV technology, which has fostered a friendly environment for local drone manufacturers. Companies and individuals can donate money or “dronate” certain models directly to the military. American actor Mark Hamill, best known for playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, serves as ambassador of United24 and is helping to raise funds himself.

Ukrainian drone units supported by the Army of Drones damaged or destroyed 86 Russian artillery targets between September 25 and October 2—a one-week record according to Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. 

And per the commander of Ukraine’s 24th Mechanized Brigade, one of the initiative’s largest beneficiaries, the unit wiped out $40 million worth of Russian hardware in September alone. But the commander, speaking to CBS News under the codename “Hasan,” said his forces will need even more drones.

Brigadier General Yuriy Shchyhol, head of Ukraine’s State Service of Special Communications and the official leading drone procurement for the military, told CNN in June that some 30 companies were mass-producing drones for defense. The goal, he said, is for the military to purchase 200,000 UAVs by year’s end. Earlier this month, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said more than 200 domestic firms have begun producing drones in some capacity.

Are ‘Dozens of Thousands’ Enough?

According to Russian-born physicist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Swiss aerospace and defense specialist Destinus, Mikhail Kokorich, Ukraine’s proliferation of drones could have a significant impact on the war.

Kokorich left Russia to found a series of aerospace companies, including Destinus and space transportation firm Momentus, throughout the 2010s. He is also a founding member of the Anti-War Committee of Russia, a group of Russian expats who oppose President Vladimir Putin’s regime and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Kokorich told FLYING that heavier deployment of loitering munitions or kamikaze drones would bring about major changes in battlefield tactics.

“It poses a significant threat to heavy machinery, as they become vulnerable to these devices, and there aren’t yet very effective methods for detection or counteraction against such threats,” said Kokorich. “The psychological impact is that it demoralizes troops, knowing that danger can strike at any moment.”

The precise targeting enabled by kamikaze drones—even over great distances—can render assets that were once useful obsolete. At scale, these shifts in importance could be more seismic.

“[Loitering munitions diminish] the significance of much heavy and light machinery—which becomes easily accessible—and amplify the role of individual personnel, soldiers, and the need for camouflage, making warfare more stretched out over distances, as these drones render battle lines transparent over long ranges,” said Kokorich.

Increased use of strategic drones that can fly tens, hundreds, or even thousands of miles, hitting targets deep behind enemy lines, could also pose problems for Russia, the Destinus CEO explained. Intercepting them with shoulder-launched missiles, for example, requires the defender to be within close range.

“Defenses like the S-300 [anti-aircraft missile system] are not very efficient and expensive for such protection…Entirely new defense systems will be needed,” said Kokorich. “This, of course, creates vulnerabilities, including for Russia and its infrastructure assets. It’s clear that Ukraine will try to ensure that Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure do not go unpunished.”

While producing “dozens of thousands” of drones may move the needle for Ukraine, even more aircraft could be needed. While some survive their missions, the UAVs can be shot down or intercepted by air defenses far beyond the frontlines—or simply explode on impact, in the case of kamikaze drones—making many of them single-use. The Royal United Services Institute, a U.K.-based defense and security think tank, estimated that Ukraine loses 10,000 drones per month.

“The latest plans by Ukraine to build many thousands of drones per month reflect this attrition and the importance of maintaining a robust drone arsenal,” Dr. James Rogers, executive director of the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute at Cornell University, told FLYING.

Rogers advises the United Nations and NATO on the global proliferation of drones and disruptive technologies. He continued, “In essence, drones are vital to Ukraine’s offensive power and to keep up the fight against Russia’s illegal war.”

Shmyhal earlier this month said the country was leaning heavily on DJI drones. It has reportedly received “millions” of aircraft and spare parts from the Chinese company. But obtaining drones from China has been a much slower process since the country curbed exports in August. Per Shmyhal, Ukraine’s DJI drones are mainly acquired through European intermediaries.

Kamyshin told Politico that Ukraine is also trying to increase its output of air defense systems and is looking for Western partners to invest. The country will need them to defend against the onslaught of Russian drone attacks.

Earlier this month, Ukraine struck a deal with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall for the supply of drone reconnaissance systems. This week, the pair took the partnership to the next level with the launch of a joint defense venture.

Like Ukraine, Russia deploys loitering munitions. It uses ready-made models, such as the domestically produced Lancet-3M, as well as smaller, improvised UAVs built from modified racing drones. 

The country has a penchant for replicating Iranian Shahed drones (with Iran’s help, according to U.S. intelligence officials) and building lethal UAVs with engines from AliExpress, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate Alibaba. And, of course, DJI models are also part of the equation. Anton Siluanov, Russia’s finance minister, recently admitted “mostly all” of the military’s drones come from China.

“This war can be for decades,” Kamyshin said in an interview with Politico earlier this week. “[The] Russians can come back always.”

Kamyshin also expressed to Politico his desire for Western nations to step up their own drone, missile, and shell production. In his view, current levels are not sufficient to sustain support for parallel conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where Israel and Hamas militants are fighting their own battle.

“The free world should be producing enough to protect itself,” Kamyshin said. “That’s why we have to produce more and better weapons to stay safe.”

In Israel, drones played a key part in Hamas’ multimodal invasion on October 7, managing to infiltrate the country’s Iron Dome counter-drone systems and fly over the billion-dollar barrier along the Israel-Gaza border. 

The U.S.-designated terrorist group’s unexpected success lent credence to a growing concern among militaries worldwide: that a small country, blockaded and deprived of key resources for decades, could still strike effectively with rudimentary drones. The attack demonstrated how even cheap, cobbled-together UAVs can pose a threat and reemphasized the need for effective counter-drone systems. It could be a sign of things to come.

“Drone use in Ukraine/Russia and in the Hamas-Israel war shows us that drones are just another weapon of war,” said Cronin. “We are developing new tactical and strategic theory as to how to use drones effectively, and that theory is being tested in the two ongoing conflicts.”

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Now for this week’s top story:

FAA Powered-Lift Pilot Plan Takes Flak From Industry

What happened? The FAA poked the bear. Since the agency reversed course to certify electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the powered-lift category, it’s been tasked with developing guidelines for training and certifying the pilots who will fly them. But its plan—proposed in June—did not go over well with the industry.

Too many hours: While the FAA proposed applicants should obtain a powered-lift category rating before pursuing a type rating, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and seven other groups said training should credit existing airplane and helicopter certificates. That would eliminate some hours-based requirements, which they argue are too extensive.

The industry also requested the FAA ax the requirement for eVTOL manufacturers to build and maintain a dual-control model for pilot training. Instead, they insisted on awarding more credit to training done in simulators and expanding the simulator models acceptable for instruction.

Let eVTOLs be eVTOLs: Another of the industry’s qualms centered on eVTOL operational rules, which the FAA prescribes to be similar to airplane rules. But stakeholders countered that the aircraft—many of which can take off, land, and maneuver like helicopters—don’t fit neatly into the regulations for any one aircraft type.

Instead, they suggested applying airplane and helicopter rules to eVTOL operations as appropriate. For example, they should be subject to helicopter minimum visibility requirements but be treated as airplanes when flying over water. In other words: let eVTOLs be eVTOLs.

Quick quote: “These barriers are a direct consequence of FAA reversals on this rulemaking and the content of the proposed SFAR,” GAMA said.

My take: There are many, many further criticisms in the industry’s letter that I simply didn’t have space to fit here. Suffice it to say, though, that stakeholders have a very different vision for powered-lift pilot training and certification than the FAA’s.

In essence, the groups feel the proposed requirements are too strict and will impede the pathway for an initial cohort of eVTOL pilots and instructors to emerge. They also worry about the impacts on manufacturers, whom they argue would take on too great a financial and material burden under the FAA’s plan.

This level of political coordination isn’t exactly uncommon in general aviation. But whenever it happens, you should expect results. Several of these groups (GAMA in particular) have immense political clout on Capitol Hill, and their recommendations may very well end up shaping the bulk of the final rule.

Deep dive: GAMA and Other Industry Groups Cast Shade on FAA Powered-Lift Pilot Proposal

In Other News…

DJI Now Delivers

What happened? China’s DJI, which dominates somewhere between 50 and 70 percent of the global consumer drone market, just launched its first delivery drone, FlyCart 30. Named for its 30 kilogram (66 pound) payload, the new design has some impressive features.

The specs: FlyCart 30 is a four-axis, eight-propeller multirotor design powered by a pair of batteries, capable of flying 10 miles at close to 45 mph with a full load. It won’t be hampered by inclement weather—the drone can fly in dust or moderate rain, as well as at high altitudes. It also uses an intelligent “anti-sway” system to maintain level flight in wind.

Another neat feature is the dual-control mechanism, which allows multiple pilots in different locations to control FlyCart 30 at various points along the mission. It also offers two delivery mechanisms: a standard cargo box or a winch and crane configuration that lowers items from the sky.

Deep dive: DJI Already Dominates Consumer Drones; Now It’s Getting into Delivery

Ex-CEO of Wisk Aero Joins Flying Car Racing Company

What happened? Gary Gysin, who helmed Boeing-owned Wisk from its founding in 2019 until his resignation in February, joined a company that’s already flying eVTOL aircraft. The firm, Airspeeder, currently hosts remotely piloted flying car races and is looking to begin piloted races in 2024.

A new form of competitive racing: Wisk’s self-flying Gen 6 isn’t expected to fly commercially for at least another five years, but Airspeeder’s Mk3 eVTOL is already doing laps on digitally generated tracks in the sky. The company is now developing the Mk4, a crewed variant expected to be ready for the first piloted Airspeeder races in 2024.

Last year, the firm hosted the EXA Series, a precursor to next year’s event that allowed pilots to safely familiarize themselves with the technology. Pilot commands are sent as inputs to a robot “aviator,” which mimics their movements as they navigate augmented reality obstacles. Airspeeder is backed by a pair of venture capital firms and global logistics titan DHL.

Deep Dive: Former Wisk CEO Joins Flying Car Racing Company Airspeeder

And a Few More Headlines:

• Autonomous eVTOL maker EHang said it’s on the cusp of type certification after wrapping up its latest round of flight testing.

• India became the fourth nation to put a lander on the moon and the first to land on the lunar south pole.

• Google parent Alphabet’s drone delivery arm Wing signed a deal to deliver from Walmart stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

• Reliable Robotics successfully demonstrated its continuous autopilot system for the FAA.

• Defense drone manufacturer Red Cat doubled its contract value with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency.

Spotlight on…

Rotor X Aircraft

Who needs a pilot certificate? Not you, apparently, if you plan to fly Rotor X Aircraft’s Dragon eVTOL.

Dragon just completed its final unmanned flight tests and could be available as soon as next spring. It’s a one-seat, build-it-yourself eVTOL design that’s light enough to qualify as a Part 103 ultralight aircraft—meaning no pilot certificate is required to fly it. Rotor X claims it can be assembled over a weekend, but we’re a little skeptical.

Limiting Dragon are its speed and range: it maxes out at 63 mph (54 knots) and can stay airborne for just 20 minutes. It’s also expected to cost around $90,000 to $100,000 at purchase, more expensive than other ultralight aircraft.

It will be interesting to see if the FAA has anything to say about all this. So far, the agency has struggled to chart the path for eVTOL pilot training and certification given the novelty of the technology. Chances are the agency won’t want a bunch of inexperienced pilots flying these unfamiliar designs.

Deep Dive: One-Seat eVTOL Needs No Certificate to Fly—and It’s Ready for Piloted Tests

On the Horizon…

The biggest regulatory news this week was without a doubt GAMA and other groups’ resistance to the FAA’s powered-lift pilot proposal. But since I broke down that situation above, in last week’s newsletter, and in a story for FLYING Digital, I’ll give you all (and myself) a break here.

At the same time, other groups—such as the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Studio City for Quiet Skies, a Los Angeles-based coalition—have pushed back on the FAA’s broader advanced air mobility (AAM) initiatives, including the Innovate28 plan for AAM integration at scale by 2028.

Other than that, there wasn’t too much action this week. But if you haven’t already read my story on the topic, consider this your first reminder: The FAA’s Remote ID rule for drones takes full effect September 16, and all operators will need to ensure their drones are equipped with the proper technology in order to continue flying.

Mark Your Calendars

Each week, I’ll be running through a list of upcoming industry events. Here are a few conferences to keep an eye on:

• Defense and Security Equipment International 2023—September 12-15 in London
• DroneX 2023—September 26-27 in London
• World Aviation Festival—September 26-28 in Lisbon, Portugal
• Airtaxi World Congress—October 2-5 in San Francisco
• FAI World Drone Racing Championship—October 6-9 near Seoul, South Korea
• Intergeo 2023—October 10-12 in Berlin
• Dronitaly—October 11-13 in Bologna, Italy
• Commercial UAV Expo—October 23-26 in Las Vegas
• World’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conference—November 12-14 in Jerusalem

Tweet of the Week

Want to see your tweet here next week? Have comments or feedback? Share your thoughts on Twitter and tag me (@jack_daleo)! Or check out FLYING’s media accounts:

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I want to hear your questions, comments, concerns, and criticisms about everything in the modern flying space, whether they’re about a new drone you just bought or the future of space exploration. Reach out to jack@flying.media or tweet me @jack_daleo with your thoughts.

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In a move that could have major implications for the company and the drone industry at large, DJI this week unveiled FlyCart 30, its first delivery drone. Aptly named for its 30-kilogram (66-pound) payload in standard configuration, the new product marks DJI’s entry into a largely untapped market for delivery via the small, buzzing aircraft.

For now, the new model will only be available in China. But DJI told FLYING it will consider launches in other markets down the line.

Until now, DJI made drones almost exclusively for hobbyists and industrial enterprise customers. Most of its designs are camera drones equipped with high-definition lenses, video recorders, and other aerial imaging equipment. Some models include thermal or infrared sensors, mapping software, advanced communications, and other features designed for surveillance and inspection.

The firm’s camera drones are considered to be very high quality. They’ve been used to film several high-profile TV shows, including Game of Thrones, The Amazing Race, Better Call Saul, and American Ninja Warrior. Other DJI camera drones include the high-performance Mavic, the low-cost Spark, and the hexarotor Flame Wheel.

None of them, however, can deliver a package or an order of chicken wings. DJI was founded in 2006, years before the likes of Amazon Prime Air or Alphabet’s Wing began exploring drone delivery. Those firms have had decadelong runways to develop their services. But DJI has decided it’s finally ready to compete.

So, let’s break down the new drone and its implications for the industry.

The Specs

Off the shelf, FlyCart 30 will be one of the largest short-range delivery drones on the market. But other features, such as a configurable delivery mechanism, dual-control pilot capabilities, and a rare level of durability (more on these in a bit), are what really make this model stand out.

FlyCart 30 uses a four-axis, eight-propeller multirotor design powered by a pair of proprietary Intelligent Flight Batteries. With both batteries installed, it can carry up to 66 pounds of cargo at close to 45 mph over a range of about 10 sm (8.7 nm), staying airborne for as long as 18 minutes. That range extends to about 12 sm (10.8 nm) with an empty load.

Customers moving heavier cargo can remove one of the two batteries to give the drone a maximum payload of 40 kilograms (88 pounds). However, DJI recommends using both—if one fails during flight, the other can power the rest of the mission on its own.

Redundancy is just one of many safety features aboard FlyCart 30. The model also comes equipped with an intelligent obstacle detect-and-avoid software, dual radar capabilities, an ADS-B signal receiver, and a built-in parachute for controlled descent in emergencies. Operators can even preprogram the drone with emergency landing points before sending it on its route.

It comes equipped with DJI’s O3 image transmission system, which broadcasts live video, and can transmit a strong signal up to 12 sm (10.8 nm) away, opening up beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The model is also compatible with the company’s 4G cellular dongle.

Unlike most delivery drones, which in the U.S. typically fly below 400 feet, FlyCart 30 can operate nearly 10,000 feet in the air, allowing it to serve China’s mountainous landscape. And like other DJI models, it’s foldable, making it incredibly portable.

Now let’s get into the really cool stuff.

Most drones get performance anxiety when flying in rain or high winds, but FlyCart 30 isn’t most drones. It’s billed as an “all-weather machine” and rated IP55, meaning it protects against dust and moderate rain. It can also fly in winds up to 26 mph (22.5 knots) and in temperatures between minus-4 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. So, unlike many other drone delivery firms, DJI’s operations won’t be limited to clear skies.

A second neat feature is the drone’s dual-control piloting mechanism. Companies typically seek to assign as many drones as possible to a pilot, but DJI came up with a way to enable the reverse. So long as each has a controller, operators can hand over control of the drone to one another with the push of a button, without interrupting flight. This enables deliveries over longer distances (or BVLOS of one of the pilots), circumvents signal disturbances, and adds another layer of safety.

Flying, though, is only half the battle in drone delivery. So DJI also gave FlyCart 30 a swappable delivery mechanism, with the option to use either a cargo box or a winch-and-crane system.

The first option uses standard-sized expanded polypropylene (EPP) containers, which can hold up to 2.5 cubic feet of cargo and are commonly used in the returnable packaging industry. It can be installed or removed in less than three minutes for a speedy turnaround time.

Alternatively, customers can opt for the winch and crane, which uses a 65-foot cable line to lower items to the ground from altitude. The system can be controlled manually or automatically, but the drone releases cargo on its own when it touches the ground. This configuration could be used in locations where it’s unsafe to land, such as a wooded area.

Yet another fascinating feature is FlyCart 30’s intelligent “anti-sway” system. The advanced technology detects the drone’s weight and center of gravity while airborne, returning it to level flight whenever it sways or tilts.

For now, FlyCart 30 is available only in China for $17,000. The purchase price includes the aircraft, two batteries, a charging hub with cables, and an RC Plus remote controller. The controller displays DJI’s Pilot 2 program, which shows real-time flight status, delivery conditions, and the drone’s power level. It can even issue warnings and navigate the drone to a safe landing spot in the event of extreme weather or another emergency.

Simultaneously, the company launched DJI Transport, a cloud-based operations platform. With it, customers can plan equipment tasks, manage team resources, analyze flight and delivery data, and control the dynamics of the operation from top to bottom.

The Implications

Drone delivery remains a young industry that lacks a true juggernaut. Does DJI have what it takes to steal the crown?

As of February, the Chinese firm is responsible for about seven in 10 consumer drone sales globally. That makes it far and away the largest consumer drone provider in the world, a position it’s held since 2015. The company currently has more than 14,000 employees, dwarfing just about every competitor.

DJI’s first consumer drone, the Phantom 1, came out in 2013 after seven years of development. It didn’t sell well. But just two years later, the Phantom 3 added live stream capabilities and skyrocketed the company’s position. Around this time, CEO Frank Wang, who owns about 40 percent of the company, became the world’s first drone billionaire.

Now, DJI rakes in an estimated $2 billion in annual revenue. In other words, it has deep coffers to support its drone delivery efforts. Adding another business may also position the firm well for the future as it contends with a seemingly never-ending slew of bans and restrictions by U.S. lawmakers, who have derisively referred to the company as “TikTok with wings.”

DJI will likely sell drone delivery services primarily to enterprise customers. These figure to have stickier demand than the individual consumers who buy its camera drones, since enterprises are less prone to inflation and shifts in demand and will need the aircraft to do business. That should drive more revenue and shield it from macroeconomic downturns somewhat.

A company spokesperson told FLYING it’s “too early to tell” if DJI will deploy FlyCart 30 outside China. However, the company did hint that this is a possibility if regulatory and infrastructure frameworks allow it, and there are a few things working in its favor to soak up global demand.

For one, it has an expansive, international network of dealers and customers. Many prospective customers will have already been trained on other DJI systems and products, giving them a level of familiarity that could give DJI a leg up. Some companies and nongovernmental organizations are already using DJI gear to map and survey areas of interest or create images for marketing purposes.

A potential concern, though, is the drone’s size and weight. With both batteries and an empty payload, FlyCart 30 weighs 143 pounds, far exceeding the limit of the FAA’s small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) rule. To fly in the U.S., DJI would need to obtain a type certification or an exemption to Section 44807 of Title 49 of the U.S. Code. The European Union and New Zealand, two other emerging drone delivery markets, have similar rules.

FlyCart 30 measures about nine by 10 by three feet, a size typically reserved for long-distance models. However, its 10 sm range and 18-minute flight time will likely limit the model to last-mile delivery. For comparison, flagship last-mile drones from Wing and Matternet fly about 12 miles, Amazon Prime Air’s flies 9 miles, and A2Z Drone Delivery’s new RDST Longtail travels close to 7 miles.

All of these designs have significantly lighter payloads than DJI’s. That begs the question: What kind of cargo will FlyCart 30 carry? It’s likely too bulky for food or grocery deliveries, which is how the above companies make their money. According to DJI, emergency transport will be a core use case. But outside China it would have to compete with Zipline, whose drone can fly 190 miles on a single charge. FlyCart 30’s range will likely cap its usefulness for medical deliveries.

Besides Wing, Matternet, Amazon, and A2Z, DJI would jostle against Walmart and DroneUp and UPS Flight Forward in the U.S. It would likely compete with Volocopter in Europe and Africa, or with SkyDrop in New Zealand.

In China, DJI’s main competitor will be on-demand shopping platform Meituan, which last year made 100,000 drone deliveries in Shenzhen. EHang, a passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, also operates a drone delivery service in the country with DHL.

The company will likely spend the next few months or years feeling out the competition among these firms before attempting to launch in the U.S. or elsewhere. But if (or when) it does, it would have a massive potential market to work with.

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The post DJI Already Dominates Consumer Drones; Now It’s Getting into Delivery appeared first on FLYING Magazine.