DJI Matrice 400: The New Powerhouse in Enterprise Drone Technology


DJI Enterprise has unveiled its latest flagship drone, the Matrice 400 (M400), a powerful solution built for demanding commercial and industrial operations. With the flight battery installed, the DJI Matrice 400 weighs approximately 9.8kg. It delivers 59 minutes of maximum flight time and supports up to 6kg of total payload capacity. It can be configured with 7 individual payloads, making it ideal for heavy-lift industrial drone operations. As the first in the Matrice series to feature both integrated horizontal rotating LiDAR and 6-directional mmWave radar, the M400 sets a new benchmark in 24/7 obstacle detection and autonomous navigation.

The Matrice 400 is a true evolution of its predecessors, significantly enhancing payload capacity, onboard intelligence, and operational durability, broadening its versatility across a wide range of applications. The DJI Matrice 400 is a next-generation enterprise drone designed for emergency response, public safety, power line inspections, geospatial mapping, mining, and construction, delivering advanced performance across critical industries.


First Impressions

The first thing I’m drawn to after taking the Matrice 400 out of the box is its size. Unfolding the beast, we see it is big. Even sitting next to the Matrice 350 RTK, the 400’s predecessor and very similar airframe, the 400 dwarfs it. There is an increase of almost 200mm in its length and 100mm in its width compared to its older sibling, a testament to the increase in power and versatility. A closer look at the airframe reveals several key upgrades: a front-mounted rotating LiDAR puck atop the fuselage, redesigned propeller blades, integrated first-person view within the colour obstacle avoidance cameras, and a new unified battery system that replaces the dual-battery setup from the M300 and M350 with a single, removable high-capacity battery. While the new single-battery system simplifies logistics, our initial tests found it slightly tight to insert and remove. However, with use, the plastics are expected to wear in, making battery removal easier over time.

Despite its increased power and size, one of the most surprising aspects of flying the DJI Matrice 400 was how quiet it is. The newly designed propellers aren’t silent, but they produce less noise than the M350, with a lower-pitched sound profile. Flight performance is equally impressive; the M400 retains the same smooth, responsive control as its predecessors. Acceleration feels similar to the M350, but the M400 achieves noticeably higher top speeds. Overall, flying the M400 felt familiar yet refined, allowing existing DJI Enterprise users to transition with ease.

 

Watch our unboxing and first impression video below:


DJI Matrice 400 Specifications Overview

Let’s explore the key specifications of the DJI Matrice 400 and compare them to its predecessor, the Matrice 350 RTK. Released just two years apart, the Matrice 400 introduces major advancements in drone technology, offering superior performance, enhanced payload support, and upgraded obstacle sensing capabilities that significantly surpass the M350 RTK.

Spec. Matrice 400 Matrice 350
Max Flight Time 59 min 55 min
Max Speed (forward) 25 m/s 23 m/s
Payloads 7 payloads, 6 kg max 3 payloads, 2.7 kg max
Weight (with battery/s) 9.7 kg 6.5 kg
Maxmimum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) 15.8 kg 9.2 kg
Battery Number 1, hot swapping compatible (GNSS system remains powered up for 45 seconds) 2, hot swapping compatible
Ingress Protecting Rating IP55 IP55
Operating Temperatures -20° to 50° C -20° to 50° C
Obstacle Sensing Six-directional visual sensings, six-directional mmWave radar, 360° rotating LiDAR Six-directional visual sensings
Max Transmission Range 20 km (CE), (40 km total) 8 km (CE), (20 km total)
Video Transmission O4 Enterprise Enhanced Video Transmission System, triple-channel 1080p/60fps O3 Enterprise Video Transmission System, triple-channel 1080p/30fps
Controller DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise Enhanced DJI RC Plus
Software Compatibility DJI Pilot 2, DJI FlightHub 2, DJI Terra, DJI Modify DJI Pilot 2, DJI FlightHub 2 (Limited), DJI Terra, DJI Modify
Open Developer Ecosystem Compatibility Intelligent Algorithm Developer, Payload SDK, Mobile SDK, Cloud API, Open Data Access Payload SDK, Mobile SDK, Cloud API

Comprehensive Payload Options

The aforementioned high lift capacity of up to 7 payloads of 6kg weight is what defines the Matrice 400 as a beast. A fusion of the versatility of the 300 and 350’s seamless switching of multiple gimbal-supported payloads and the heavier lift capabilities seen in the much more mature Matrice 600. The 400 is capable of supporting 1 to 3 downward gimbal payloads, single or dual gimbal on the front and a single gimbal on the aft. E-Port 4 can connect to an E-Port Hub Expansion Plate to expand to four payload ports, supporting up to 7 payloads.

DJI has a line of compatible gimbal payloads for the M400, the Zenmuse and Manifold series. The M400 currently supports the following first-party payloads:

  • DJI Zenmuse L2 LiDAR + RGB for survey-grade colourised LiDAR point clouds

  • DJI Zenmuse P1 45MP Full-Frame Camera for survey-grade photogrammetry

  • DJI Zenmuse H30 Series for industry-leading zoom and thermal capabilities

  • DJI Zenmuse S1 spotlight

  • DJI Zenmuse V1 speaker

  • DJI Manifold 3, a high-performance onboard computer

The M400 is also compatible with third-party PSDK payloads that were already developed for the M350 RTK aircraft; however, PSDK payloads need to be upgraded by the corresponding manufacturer.

 

Revolutionary Obstacle Detection on the DJI Matrice 400

Engineered for mission-critical operations, the DJI Matrice 400 features one of the most advanced obstacle detection systems ever integrated into an enterprise drone. It combines LiDAR, mmWave radar, and full-colour vision sensors to enable reliable navigation across even the most complex environments.

Horizontal Rotating LiDAR (360° Awareness)

Detects thin objects like power lines, even at night

  1. Detection Range: Up to 100m standard; 35m for 21.6mm power lines

  2. FOV: 360° horizontal, 58° vertical

  3. Delivers high-precision 3D depth data for advanced situational awareness

  4. Point Frequency: 520,000 pts/sec; Class 1 Eye Safety Laser

Matrice 400 Horizontal Rotating LiDAR

Six-Directional mmWave Radar (All-Weather Sensing)

Embedded in six directions (up, down, front, back, left, right)

  1. Strong penetration in fog, rain, snow, and smoke

  2. Effective for detecting thin power lines at up to 50m

  3. Operates at ±45° FOV both horizontally and vertically

  4. Ideal for low-visibility or GNSS-denied environments

Full-Colour Fisheye Vision System (Enhanced Visual Context)

Four low-light fisheye cameras for omnidirectional vision

  1. Captures colour, shape, and texture, improving object recognition

  2. Enables visual positioning in GNSS-compromised environments

  3. Performs best in daylight and well-lit conditions

Smart Obstacle Avoidance Modes

Brake & Avoid: Real-time re-routing or braking when obstacles are detected

  1. Reliable even when flying directly toward power lines at 25 m/s

  2. Detects both primary (21.6mm) and secondary (12mm) lines—even at night

Integrated Positioning for Precision Flight

Combines LiDAR, radar, and vision for omnidirectional awareness

  1. Enables safe operation near glass buildings, turbine blades, or under bridges

  2. Supports Return-to-Home with unmatched reliability in complex environments

Additional Safety Features

Arm Lock & Battery Lock Sensors: Prevent takeoff if improperly secured

  1. Three-Propeller Emergency Landing Mode: Safe descent in the event of motor failure

  2. ADS-B AirSense Receiver: Alerts pilots to nearby manned aircraft

  3. Dual Anti-Collision Beacons: Improve visibility in night operations


Intelligent Features of the DJI Matrice 400

The DJI Matrice 400 Enterprise drone is packed with cutting-edge automation and intelligent capabilities that streamline complex workflows, enhance safety, and boost mission success. Here’s a breakdown of the M400’s key intelligent features:

AR-Powered Situational Awareness

  • AR Power Line Detection: Automatically identifies overhead wires and displays them as augmented reality lines on the RC screen for safer power line inspections.

  • AR Map View: Displays real-time names of buildings, landmarks, and roads for better orientation in dense urban environments.

  • AR Flight Route Preview: Visualises flight paths during RTH, FlyTo, or obstacle avoidance to support better navigation decisions.

  • AR Landing Shadow: Helps operators visually align landings by projecting a virtual aircraft shadow.

These features enhance visual context and pilot decision-making during critical missions such as power grid inspections, urban surveying, and public safety operations.

Live Annotations & Real-Time Insights

  • Live Annotations: Mark points, draw lines, and define areas directly from the controller without 3D modelling. Automatically syncs with DJI FlightHub 2.

  • RC Signal Direction Prompt: Displays the aircraft’s relative position when the signal is weak, aiding in quick recovery and orientation.

Ideal for field teams needing quick geospatial data collection and real-time mapping collaboration.

Advanced Intelligent Flight Modes

  • Cruise Mode: Maintain forward flight without continuous stick input—perfect for linear asset inspections and long-distance missions.

  • FlyTo: Auto-adjusts speed and path to navigate safely to a designated location.

  • Point of Interest (POI): Enables orbiting and 3D modelling around fixed objects like buildings, towers, and infrastructure assets.

  • Smart Track: Locks onto and follows moving subjects with automatic zoom adjustments, great for search and rescue or surveillance.

  • Observed View: Marks observed ground areas on the map to reduce pilot workload.

  • Real-Time Terrain Follow: Maintains consistent height above ground in both manual and automated flights, ensuring stable mapping GSD and safer low-altitude flights.

Mission Planning & Route Automation

  • Slope & Geometric Routes: Supports advanced flight path planning for inspecting facades, inclined structures, or slopes using DJI Pilot 2 or FlightHub 2.

  • Smart 3D Capture (P1): Generates rough 3D models in real-time and visualises capture paths for safe execution.

  • 25 m/s Mapping Speed (P1): Increased flight speed enables 60% faster 2D ortho collection, depending on payload and mission parameters.

These enhancements make the M400 an ideal platform for high-precision aerial surveys, geospatial data collection, and infrastructure mapping.

AI-Powered Detection with Thermal & Visual Cameras

  • AI Detection (Visible & Thermal):

    • Detects people, vehicles, and boats using onboard AI models

    • Supports real-time alarms, object counting, and adjustable confidence thresholds

    • Compatible with the Zenmuse H30T for dual-spectrum detection

Supports search and rescue, law enforcement, and emergency response missions, even in low-visibility conditions.

Power Line Follow & Corridor Mapping (Zenmuse L2)

  • Automatic Corridor Detection: Recognises power line paths and branch routes for autonomous inspection.

  • Point Cloud Collection: Live 3D point clouds are displayed on the controller in real time.

  • Bypass Line Crossing: A New safety feature for the M400 that detects and avoids intersecting power lines automatically.

A must-have for utility companies, energy providers, and infrastructure inspection teams.

Ship-Based Takeoff & Auto-Landing

  • Dynamic Vessel Recognition: Recognises custom landing markers placed on moving ships.

  • Safe Maritime Operations: Enables takeoff and precision landings on decks as small as 3×3 meters.

  • Dynamic Home Point & Visual Landing Assistance: Improves safety and expands mission reach in offshore and maritime scenarios.

Perfect for offshore inspections, coastal surveillance, and maritime security.


DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise Controller

The DJI RC Plus 2 is the upgraded enterprise-grade controller designed for the Matrice 400 series and other DJI Enterprise drones.

Key Features:

  • 7.02" LCD Touchscreen with ultra-bright 1400-nit display for outdoor visibility

  • High-Gain Antenna Array for stable long-range communication

  • IP54-rated weather-resistant build for rugged environments

  • Button Backlighting for low-light operation

  • Extended Endurance with up to 7 hours of operation using the WB37 external battery

Sub-2G Antenna System:

  • Dual-Band Support: Operates on 1.4 GHz and 900 MHz bands for reliable signal penetration and long-distance connectivity

  • Rear-Mounted Design: Improved signal performance with live status indication

  • 4G Enhancement Module: Optional add-on for seamless integration with dual 4G drone modules

Ideal for BVLOS operations, urban inspections, and complex flight environments where signal reliability is critical.


TB100 High-Capacity Intelligent Flight Battery

Designed only for the DJI Matrice 400, the TB100 offers robust power and fast swappability.

Battery Specs:

  • Capacity: 20,254 mAh

  • Voltage/Type: Li-ion 13S, 977 Wh

  • Cycle Life: Up to 400 cycles

  • Top-Insert Design: Enables quick insertion/removal with ergonomic handle

Hot-Swap Capability:

  • Built-in capacitors allow 45 seconds of powered runtime during battery changes, maintaining GNSS lock and preventing mission interruption.


BS100 Multifunctional Battery Station

The BS100 is the intelligent charging hub built to support the demanding power needs of the M400 ecosystem.

Charging Capacity:

  • Supports 3× TB100 and 2× WB37 batteries simultaneously

Charging Modes:

  • Rapid Mode: 0–100% in 45 min @ 220V

  • Quiet Mode: Full charge in 110 min at both 220V and 110V

  • Charge Level Mode: Options for standby (90%) and full (100%) storage levels

Smart Management:

  • Real-time battery monitoring via the remote controller

  • One-tap firmware updates and auto-discharge setup

  • Ideal for fleet-level operations needing rapid and safe turnaround


TB100C Tethered Power System

The TB100C is DJI’s new tethered battery solution, offering continuous power via a cable connection for extended mission time.

Features:

  • Same specs as TB100: 20,254 mAh, 977 Wh, Li-ion 13S

  • Compatible with BS100 for in-box charging

  • Designed for Continuous Flight: Enables long-duration hovering or stationary operations when paired with third-party tethered power systems

Ideal for surveillance, maritime, and critical infrastructure monitoring, where endurance and stability are vital. Volarius has made a tether system compatible with the TB100C.


Final Thoughts

A New Standard in Enterprise Drone Operations

The DJI Matrice 400 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap forward for enterprise drone technology. With more effective flight time than its predecessor, a 6kg payload capacity, and advanced obstacle avoidance that can detect power lines in low-light or mountainous terrain, the M400 is engineered for reliability in the most demanding environments.

From real-time terrain following and intelligent flight modes to ship-based takeoff and landing, the M400’s intelligent automation reduces operator workload and enhances mission efficiency. Whether you're in public safety, utilities, surveying, asset inspection, or maritime operations, the Matrice 400 adapts to your needs with robust payload support and unmatched operational flexibility.

As industries continue to demand smarter, safer, and more powerful aerial tools, the DJI Matrice 400 stands ready to lead the way.

Explore More with Prisma Technologies

Ready to upgrade your operations with the DJI Matrice 400? Explore our DJI Matrice 400 Bundles, designed to support industries such as public safety, surveying, utilities, and infrastructure inspection. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the right configuration, payloads, and accessories to suit your mission requirements. Contact us today at info@prismatech.com.au or call (02) 42 583 489 to speak with a specialist and unlock the full potential of the M400 platform.

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