DJI has introduced the Matrice 5T, an industrial-grade unmanned aerial vehicle designed for search and rescue operations, emergency response, and complex infrastructure inspections. The unit is positioned as a compact professional platform, marking the first time a LiDAR, a millimeter-wave radar, and a high-resolution thermal imager have been integrated into a single chassis. The stated flight time is up to 59 minutes, while the extended communication range and multi-channel collision avoidance system enable the drone to operate in challenging terrain with limited visibility.

Optics and Night Vision

The native resolution of the Matrice 5T thermal imager is 1280 × 1024 pixels, and in ultra-high resolution mode, the output signal scales up to 2560 × 2048 pixels, allowing for detailed analysis of thermal signatures. The wide-angle camera is equipped with a 1/0.98-inch sensor and an f/1.8 aperture lens; artificial intelligence algorithms improve low-light shooting, and, according to the manufacturer, the system produces full-color images at light levels as low as 0.01 lux. A separate 50-megapixel medium-focus camera with 3x optical zoom is designed for infrastructure inspection, while the second camera offers 11x optical and up to 176x hybrid zoom along with a monochrome night vision system—the company claims this allows a car license plate to be identified from a distance of up to 400 meters.

Obstacle Detection and Navigation

The obstacle detection system includes LiDAR, a millimeter-wave radar, and omnidirectional visual sensors. The LiDAR detects thin objects, including electric cables, at a distance of up to 32 meters at night, while the radar ensures detection of surrounding objects during rain, fog, or in the presence of airborne dust. According to the manufacturer, the combination of visual and radar data enables navigation in areas where satellite positioning signals become weak or unreliable.

Communication and Coordination

DJI O4 Enterprise communication technology provides data transmission up to 40 km. An automatic frequency switching feature helps maintain connection amidst urban interference, and support for cellular data and repeaters allows operators to receive aerial video without relying solely on a direct link. In complex operations, the Matrice 5T can coordinate the work of multiple other drones in repeater mode if the terrain blocks standard data transmission channels.

AI, Surveying, and Data Processing

Built-in artificial intelligence recognizes over 20 object categories, and the DJI FlightHub 2 platform allows users to search for them via text description and create automated patrol routes with defined action scenarios. For surveying work, DJI Terra software performs measurements with centimeter-level precision and, under certain conditions, operates without the need for ground control points; thermal maps, temperature measurement, and detection of anomalous thermal zones are also available. The remote controller processes 200 photos in 8 minutes, generating a point cloud or a 2.5D model for rapid on-site assessment.

Operation and Service

The Matrice 5T supports take-off from moving vessels and landing on specially marked deck areas. The chassis is rated IP55, and the operating temperature range is -20 °C to +50 °C. For corporate clients, DJI offers service packages, including repairs, annual battery replacements, and extended warranties. According to industry reports, this model is the company's first compact professional drone featuring both LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar, expanding flight capabilities in environments where previous models struggled.