Practical Deployment of the DJI Matrice 400 RTK

From this article, you will learn:

1. Why the DJI Matrice 400 RTK is more than a simple upgrade – and what difference it makes in BOS everyday life.
2. Which safety and efficiency features (LiDAR at night, AI assistance, Hot-Swap, battery case) noticeably improve operations.
3. How H30T, S1, and V1 as modular payloads cover different situations (search, illumination, announcements).
4. Which operational advantages the new DJI RC Plus 2 brings with Pilot 2.0, O4 Enterprise, and Dual-Operator.
5. Which practical experiences were gained from the demonstration at the Böhl-Iggelheim Volunteer Fire Department – including first-hand feedback.

Conclusion right at the beginning: The drone shown is not simply the next iteration – it marks the current state of the art and sets standards for demanding BOS operations. Longer operating time, higher payload, robust design, and strong assistance functions make it a versatile tool for searching for people, situational awareness, and complex large-scale damage incidents.

Platform & Safety: Endurance, Robustness, Night Suitability

The DJI Matrice 400 RTK is based on a fundamentally revised platform concept. A high-performance battery (> 970 Wh), optimized motors, and a reinforced frame ensure significantly longer flight times, more payload, and reliable performance under adverse conditions. The payload hangs with sufficient ground clearance, which facilitates takeoffs/landings on difficult terrain. Side light beacons increase visibility – a safety plus during night flights or in complex environments.

The heart of the environment detection is a permanently installed LiDAR sensor, which is specially designed for night and poor visibility. Power lines, trees, or antennas can thus be better recognized and collisions avoided – even under smoke. In conjunction with internal AI sensor fusion, for example, power lines are graphically highlighted directly in the FPV image of the RC Plus 2 – even without an activated payload camera. This facilitates navigation in sensitive areas and noticeably increases flight safety.

Modular Versatility: H30T, S1, V1 in Use

To cover the spectrum of real situations, various payloads were flown in the test – the change is tool-free in a few minutes:

• Zenmuse H30T: Multi-sensor with thermal imaging, 30× optical zoom, and 3,000 m LRF for situational awareness, identification, and tracking.
• Zenmuse S1: Precise searchlight system; ideal in combination with thermal imaging and AI for targeted illumination during night searches.
• Zenmuse V1: Loudspeaker system for announcements during evacuations, warning the population, or directing flows of people.

Important for classification: Fires are recognized by the thermal imaging camera of the H30T; the AI primarily supports analysis, object tracking, and mission-related automation (e.g., SmartTrack 2.0, target points via LRF, intelligent search patterns).

Operation & Deployment: RC Plus 2, Battery Case, Hot-Swap

The DJI RC Plus 2 professionalizes operation: 7-inch HD touchscreen display (bright, weatherproof), DJI Pilot 2.0 with direct access to AI/sensor functions, OcuSync 4 Enterprise for stable range, and Dual-Operator mode for efficient teamwork. Responsiveness and ergonomics were repeatedly praised during the operation – a clear advantage under time pressure.

Crucial for continuous operation: the new battery case with integrated fast charging function and Silent Mode (quiet charging during training or in sensitive situations). The Hot-Swap function of the platform enables quick, safe battery replacement in the field without a complete shutdown – minimization of downtimes, maximum operational readiness.

Practical Experience: Demonstration & Test with the Fire Department

The first official presentation of the Matrice 400 RTK took place in a professionally guided session. Hongjingye Zhang (DJI Enterprise), Kevin Dillmann (Solectric GmbH), and Holger Glur (Pro Fly Center) presented the platform, functions, and accessories – not only technically, but with a clear practical relevance for real situations.

Subsequently, the drone team of the Böhl-Iggelheim Volunteer Fire Department tested the platform – from afternoon into the night, with different payloads and realistic scenarios. The event was accompanied by the High Vision film team (led by Felix Heinemeyer), which documented the impressions from the air and the ground. In a short interview, Jannik Melzer (FF Böhl-Iggelheim) described the advantages from the user's perspective.

The feedback was unanimous: “The M400 gives us clear visibility and precise information in situations where every second counts – by day, by night, under time pressure. It will become a fixed component of our operational tactics.” – A conclusion that underscores the practical integration of modern technology into BOS processes.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The demonstration showed: The DJI Matrice 400 RTK is ready for operation – not a vision, but lived reality. Endurance, precision, flexible payloads, and assistance functions create real advantages in complex situations – from large fires to searching for people.

Would you like to experience the platform live, integrate it into existing structures, or specifically train teams? The Pro Fly Center supports you from consulting through product training and pilot training to operational introduction – and remains at your side as a strong partner in ongoing operations.

Contact us – we will show you how modern drone technology makes your operation safer, more efficient, and future-proof.