2023 - DJI Mini 4 Pro
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DJI Mini 4 Pro
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Active track DJI Mini 4 Pro
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The DJI Mini 4 Pro replaces the Mini 3 pro and still weighs less than 249 grams.
It incorporates the main characteristics of the Mini 3 pro with its 1/1.3 type CMOS sensor with dual native ISO, a 24 mm lens (equivalent) and a fixed F1.7 aperture. It can capture 48-megapixel images and sits on a 3-axis gimbal that can tilt 60º upwards. The camera is capable of cropping up to 2X for stills and up to 4X for capturing video and slow motion in 4K/100fps.
The Mini 4 Pro is the first in the series with omnidirectional obstacle and Waypoint detection and avoidance. It also features true vertical shooting, perfect for platforms that use vertical video. FocusTrack mode allows you to designate a subject and follow it with three possible modes: Spotlight, Point of Interest and ActiveTrack 360° this last mode allows you to create more dynamic ActiveTrack movements in the middle of running, kayaking, etc...
On a single charge, the DJI Mini 4 Pro can stay airborne for 34 minutes with a standard Intelligent Flight battery and up to 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Plus battery. Using the latter power supply will put the drone at a takeoff weight above 250g.
It allows video transmission over 20 km in 1080p/60 fps. A 100° ultra-wide optical focal length wide-angle lens and a set of ND16/64/256 filters can be purchased separately for the Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is priced at $ 759 for the basic version and the DJI RC-N2 remote control, at $ 959 with the DJI RC 2 remote control incorporating a color screen and as a Fly More Combo kit (DJI RC 2) at $ 1099 (September 2023).
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2023 - DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Ciné
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DJI Mavic 3
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The DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Cine have the same design and performance as their predecessors. Folded, the drone measures 23.1 x 9.8 x 9.5 cm. Unfolded, it measures 34.7 x 29 x 10.7 cm. The take-off weight is 958 g (and 963 g for the Cine version). Top speed reaches 75.6 km/h in Sport mode. It also uses the same 5000 mAh battery, for a maximum autonomy of 43 minutes.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro has FocusTrack, ActiveTrack5.0, Spotlight and the Waypoints 3.0 flight planning tool as well as cruise control.
The Mavic 3 Pro has a new nacelle, which now includes a new triple photo module:
- A 4/3 inch 20 Mpx main sensor (3.3 µm photosites), coupled with a 24 mm equivalent lens opening at f/2.8-11, designed with Hasselblad;
- A secondary type 1/1.3-inch 48 Mpx sensor (2.4 µm photosites via pixel binning), associated with a 70 mm equivalent telephoto lens opening at f/2.8;
- A third 12 Mpx 1/2-inch type sensor (1.6 µm photosites), paired with a 166 mm equivalent long-range telephoto lens opening at f/3.4.
The Mavic 3 Pro Cine is based on an identical technical basis, but features a 1 TB internal SSD and supports Apple ProRes 422 formats. Both, however, have a Micro SD slot.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is offered at $ 2,199 for the "Standard" version,
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Premium is offered at $ 4,570 (May 2023).
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2023 - DJI Inspire 3
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DJI Inspire 3
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DJI DL lenses |
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In 2023, seven years after the previous model, DJI updates its professional model with the DJI Inspire 3 which is intended for audiovisual professionals for the production of aerial shots.
The DJI Inspire 3 offers optimized performance thanks to its aerodynamic design, allowing 28 minutes of flight time. Its Zenmuse X9-8K camera has a 45MP full-frame sensor, an ultra-wide 161º FPV camera with a 1/1.8" sensor allowing night vision, an integrated 1TB SSD hard drive, an O3 transmission. It records 8K 75p quality footage in Apple ProRes RAW format with double native ISO and over 14 stops of dynamic range.
The DJI X9-8K Air camera is compatible with mount lenses DL (DJI Property):
- DL 18mm F/2.8 (DJI) lens
- DL 24mm F/2.8 (DJI) lens
- DL 35mm F/2.8 (DJI) lens
- DL 50mm F/2.8 (DJI) lens
Safety and precision are ensured thanks to the 360° obstacle detection system, as well as the presence of an RTK module for better navigation and the realization of planned flight missions. The DJI Inspire 3 weighs 4310 grams (batteries included) and is capable of flying at up to 94 km/h and also offers smart features to make shooting easier, such as Waypoints Pro, Spotlight Pro, 3D Tracking and Repeating Routes.
The DJI Inspire 3 is offered at $ 16 0000 (April 2023).
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2023 - DJI Mini 2 SE
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DJI Mini 2 SE
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In February 2023, DJI presents the Mini 2 SE which completes its range of Mini drones with an entry-level and cheapest drone under 250 g.
The DJI Mini 2 SE features a 24mm (equivalent) lens mounted on a 3-axis gimbal and coupled to a 1/2.3" (6.3 x 4.7mm) CMOS sensor. It takes photos of 12 millions of pixels, videos at 2.7K/30p and have a 4X digital zoom. The Mini 2 SE only has simple downward obstacle detection but has DJI O2 transmission technology, smart features: QuickShots and Panorama and level 5 wind resistance: a wind speed of 38.6 km/h.
The DJI Mini 2 SE has dimensions of 138 x 81 x 58 mm and a maximum flight time of 31 minutes.
The DJI Mini 2 SE is offered at $ 369 or $ 519 in a DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More bundle (March 2023).
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2022 - DJI Mini 3
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DJI Mini 3
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In December 2022, DJI presents the Mini 3 which completes its Mini range of drones under 250 g.
The DJI Mini 3 has the same sensor/optics unit as the Mini 3 pro, a 24mm lens (equivalent) coupled to a 1/1.3" 12 Mpx (millions of pixels) CMOS sensor, limited at 4K/30 IPS video format. The Mini 3 has only a simple downward obstacle detection while the Mini 3 Pro offers forward, backward and downward obstacle detection.
The Mini 3 measures 148 x 90 x 62 mm and has a maximum flight time of 38 minutes.
The DJI Mini 3 is offered at $ 409 without remote control, $ 499 with the DJI RC-N1 remote control for smartphones or at $ 639 with the DJI RC remote control with integrated 5.5" screen. Fly More bundles are also available with additional shoulder bag, a two-way charging station and two additional Intelligent Flight Batteries (December 2022).
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2022 - Mavic 3 Classic
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DJI Mavic 3 Classic
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In November 2022, DJI completes the Mavic 3 range with the Mavic 3 Classic that includes an L2D-20C aerial camera exclusively by Hasselblad for the Mavic 3 range, a 24 mm equivalent lens opening at f/2.8-f/11 with adjustable aperture and a 20 million pixel 4/3 CMOS sensor for images in jpg or 12-bit RAW and with VDAF optical detection autofocus technology.
The Mavic 3 Classic allows 5.1K/50fps, 4K/120fps and 4K/60fps HD video, it has multi-directional obstacle detection, advanced RTH and cruise control, O3+ HD video transmission over 15 km and a maximum flight time of 46 minutes for a weight of 895 g.
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is priced at $ 1499 or $ 1599 with the DJI RC-N1 smartphone remote control or $ 1749 with the DJI RC remote control with 5.5" integrated screen (November 2022).
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2022 - Autel Robotics presents six new EVO II V3 drones
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Autel Evo II
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In September 2022 at IFA 2022 in Berlin, American drone manufacturer Autel Robotics presented six new and improved versions of its EVO II series drones. Two new smart controllers, Smart Controller V3 and Smart Controller SE, compatible with all models.
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A new Live Deck video streaming feature, as well as a conversion accessory called EVO II Live Deck 2, will also be compatible with each new drone. Models that get these upgrades are as follows :
EVO II Pro V3
EVO II Pro RTK V3
EVO II Dual 640T RTK V3
EVO II Dual 640T V3
EVO II Pro Enterprise V3
EVO II Dual 640T Enterprise V3.
Autel says the V3 series has improved optical imaging, up to 6K, higher-quality low-light imagery, greater heat dissipation for longer operating times, and multi-GNSS positioning capabilities for more precise flying along with enhanced transmission.
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2022 - DJI AVATA
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DJI Avata
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DJI Goggles 2
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new motion controller
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In August 2022, DJI presents the DJI Avata, its second FPV (first person view) and its first cinewhoop-style drone.
FPV and cinewhoop drones can maneuver in tight spaces, perform aerobatic movements while capturing immersive video.
The DJI Avata has a compact frame and built-in propeller guards as well as a Turtle Mode that flips the drone upside down if it's upside down on the ground. The camera features a 48MP 1/1.7 type (7.6 x 5.7mm) CMOS sensor that can capture video up to 4K/60p and 2.7K/120p. the Avata also has an emergency brake and hover, downward obstacle sensing, DJI's O3+ transmission system for 10 km range, dual frequencies, 50 Mbps bit rate, flight time maximum of 18 minutes and a maximum speed of 97 km/h (60 mph)
The DJI Avata weighs 410 g (14.46 oz) and 180 x 180 x 80 mm (7.09 x 7.09 x 3.15 inches).
The DJI Goggles 2 headset and the new motion controller make piloting easier.
The DJI Avata is priced at $ 629 or $ 1168 with the headset and motion controller and $ 1388 for the “Fly More” pack that adds two batteries and a charging station (August 2022).
2022 - DJI Mini 3 Pro
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DJI Mini 3 pro
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standard remote and Smart Controller
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In 2022, after 2 years, DJI updates the Mini 2 Pro with the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
In October 2019, DJI offered a sub-250g drone, the original Mavic Mini with a small 1/2.3" sensor and basic features. A year later, the Mini 2 added to the same sensor the capture of raw photos and 4K video.
With the Mini 3 Pro, still under 250 gr, offers a major evolution: it has a 24 mm lens (equivalent) with 82.1o FOV and a fixed aperture F1.7 with 4x digital zoom, a 1/1.3” CMOS of 48MP for raw and jpeg photos, and 4K/60p video. track subjects including cars and people. It has a 47 minute flight time (with Intelligent Flight Plus battery) and weighs less than 250g at takeoff (with standard battery and 34 minute flight time).
The DJI Mini 3 Pro without Smart Controller is offered at $ 760 (May 2022).
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2021 - DJI Mavic 3 and 3 Cine
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DJI Mavic 3
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the 2 cameras module of the Mavic 3
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At the end of 2021, after 3 years, DJI is updating the Mavic 2 Pro with a new drone, the DJI Mavic 3 and 3 Cine.
These drones are equipped with a new module with two cameras: a camera with a 20 Mpx 4/3 CMOS sensor developed by Hasselblad : FOV: 84° (35mm equivalent: 24mm) and
adjustable aperture: f/2.8 - f/11, ISO: 100-6400 (Video)/100-3200 (Photo, automatic)/ ISO: 100-12800 (Photo, manual), mechanical or electronic shutter
and a second camera with a 12 Mpx 1/2 CMOS sensor and its x28 hybrid zoom, FOV: 15° (35 mm equivalent: 162mm) and aperture: f/4.4, ISO: 100 to 3200,
electronic shutter, technology Optical-sensing autofocus.
The Hasselblad sensor can record in 5.1K (5120 × 2700) up to 50fps or in 4K or cinematic 4K and 4K/120fps.
the Mavic 3 Cine is capable of recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and has a 1TB SSD hard drive.
The DJI Mavic 3 has omnidirectional obstacle detection, infrared obstacle detection. a battery life of 46 minutes and can be driven up to 15km away.
The DJI Mavic 3 is priced at $ 2,199, in Fly More Combo at $ 2,999 (November 2021).
The DJI Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo is priced at $ 4,999 (November 2021).
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2021 - Autel Robotics Evo Nano and Evo Lite
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the Autel Evo Nano and its anti-collision sensors
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the Autel Evo Lite |
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The Autel Robotics Evo Nano and Nano+ drones are ultralight and compact drones weighing less than 250g.
In front of their competitor, like the DJI Mini 2, they have additional functions such as automatic tracking of a subject (person, animal or car), obstacle detectors in the front, below and behind. They have an autonomy of 28 minutes, the EVO Nano has a 1/2" CMOS sensor of 48 Mpx. The videos are stabilized thanks to a 3-axis gimbal. The EVO Nano+ is equipped with a 1/1.28" sensor of 50 Mpx, coupled with an RYYB color filter and an f/1.9 aperture.
Autel's SkyLink transmission system for the Nano provides a range of up to 6.2 miles, supports three frequencies (2.4 / 5.8 / 5.2 GHz), with a streaming quality of 2, 7K/30p in HDR.
The Autel Robotics Evo Nano is available from $ 650 and the Nano+ from $ 800 in gray, white or orange (October 2021).
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The Autel Robotics Evo Lite and Lite+ drones are larger drones. The Evo Lite has a 1/1.28" sensor of 50 Mpx. The Evo Lite + has a 1" sensor of 20 Mpx with variable aperture from f2.8 to f11 and can do 6K videos at 30fps.
They have a 4-axis stabilized gimbal, 40 minutes of battery life per flight, intelligent shooting functions, Dynamic Track 2.1 tracking mode and an in-app video editing solution.
The Autel Robotics Evo Lite is available from 1150 € and the Lite + from 1250 € in gray, white or orange (October 2021).
2021 - Parrot Anafi AI
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The Parrot Anafi AI
inspired by a praying mantis
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Parrot Anafi AI's cameras
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The Parrot Anafi AI, for professionals, is inspired by a praying mantis while the previous Anafi, for large public, was inspired by a bee.
The Anafi AI is connected via 4G and Wi-Fi and is able to fly independently.
It has a 48-megapixel 1/2 "Quad Bayer sensor, 4K/60 video mode and HDR10, a stabilized three-axis gimbal integrating a spherical camera and two sensors to its left and to its right to be able to detect Obstacles Linked to the gimbal, these can move independently of the drone and the camera, in order to cover a wide field. The gimbal is able to rotate 90 ° both up and down. can draw up 3D images of what it is capable of filming, to provide accurate rendering for photogrammetry. It has a maximum flight time of 32 minutes. It is foldable but weighs 898 g and measures unfolded : 32 x 44 x 11.8 cm.
The use of 4G, which works with all the nanoSIMs on the market, associated with obstacle detection allows the Anafi AI to have autonomous flight functions. It suffices to indicate to the drone a place to fly over on a 3D cadastral map for it to go there and carry out its mission: surveillance, shooting, autonomous photogrammetry ...
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2021 - DJI Mini SE
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DJI Mini SE
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DJI Mini SE's blister
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back of the blister
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On June 16, 2021, the DJI Mini SE is seen in Walmart stores for $299 that makes it the most affordable drone in the DJI lineup.
In fact, DJI says in an official statement: “The DJI Mini SE is a specialized product tailored for entry-level drone pilots in markets where consumer drone use is emerging. It uses the internal components of the Mavic Mini in the shell of the Mini 2, which generates slightly higher wind resistance but provides much of the performance of the original Mavic Mini at a very attractive price, there are currently no plans to sell this product in the US or Europe (apart from Russia). DJI Mini 2 remains our flagship entry-level drone."
DJI Mini SE has the following characteristics: weight of 249 g, maximum distance of 4 km with automatic return to its starting point, autonomy of thirty minutes, a 1/2.3" sensor, photos of 12 millions of pixels, videos at 2.7K/30p or 1080/60p.
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2021 - Sony Airpeak
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Airpeak equipped with a Sony A7S III © Sony
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The 3 photo/video modules © Sony
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After months of announcements and teasers, the Sony Airpeak S1 quadcopter drone is finally presented and will be available in Fall 2021. Its price does not make it a leisure drone but a drone for professional shooting.
It competes with the DJI Matrice 600 pro which is a hexacopter, bigger but safer and cheaper.
The Sony Airpeak S1 is the smallest drone capable of carrying an Alpha Series and FX3 camera. It has 0-50 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds, up to 55.9 mph maximum flight speed, a wind resistance up to 44.7 mph for up to 22 Minutes of flight time.
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The Sony Airpeak S1 is equipped with four rotors, 5 x Camera & 2 x IR Sensor vision system, two batteries on the top of the camera and folding arms for easy shooting with obstacle avoidance & braking function. It is possible to create and fly automated flight plans.
The Airpeak is doped with AI and “3R” technology meaning “Reality, Real Time and Distance”. Sony's “3R” technology incorporates the use of a Virtual Reality headset. The drone is controllable by means of a large remote control to which it is possible to connect a tablet. On the software side, only an iOS version of the mobile app is available at this time.
Information relating to the project is regularly updated on the Airpeak Site.
The Airpeak S1 drone is priced at $ 9,000, without gimbal and camera (fall 2021).
2021 - DJI Air 2 S and FIMI X8 Mini
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DJI Mavic Air 2S
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FIMI X8 Mini
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Unveiled in April 2021, the DJI Air 2 S replace the Mavic Air 3 and has a camera with a 1" sensor of 20 Mpx and a fix lens equiv. of 22 mm/f2.8 able to capture Raw and Jpeg photos with SmartPhoto, photo deep learning and analysis technology, and record video up to 5.4K/30p, 4K/60p or 1080p/120p at 150 Mbps with H.264 or H.265 codec. It is equipped with OcuSync (O3) for stable streaming at a distance of up to 12 km (7.45 miles). The DJI Air 2S has the powerful flight modes and image capture modes: RTH, a four-way obstacle avoidance (Forward, Backward, Downward, Upward), a 'MasterShots' cinematic capture mode, a 'RockSteady' electronic image stabilization, several modes : FocusTrack, QuickShots, Hyperlapse. It has a flight time of 31 minutes and a total weight of 595g (1.3 pounds).
It is available for $ 999 or with Fly More Combo for $ 1299 (April 2021). |
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The X8 Mini from FMI, subsidiary company of the Chinese group XIAOMI, is a direct competitor of the DJI's Mini drones. Like them, The X8 Mini weighs less than 250 grams with a "pro" battery and has the same compact, foldable structure. It has a 1/2.6 " of 12MP Sony CMOS sensor, a 26mm lens with an 80° field of view mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, a video mode with 4K/30p HDR footage at 100 Mbps with a codec H.265, intelligent tracking modes, 30 minutes autonomy and it takes JPG and RAW photos.
FIMI uses the professional HiSilicon AI algorithm for noise reduction in low light and evening images. It is possible to create panoramas, time lapses and share live streaming videos on social platforms. A remote control with 5.8 GHz allows transmission of up to 8 km.
It is available for $ 449 on the Banggood and AliExpress websites (April 2021).
2021 - DJI FPV
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DJI FPV
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Presented in March 2021, the DJI's FPV is its first “immersive” first-person drone. In addition to the FPV (First Person View) drone, it includes an OcuSync 3 headset and a new joystick controller for ultra-simplified maneuverability.
The drone can reach the maximum speed of 140 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in two seconds. The on-board camera records 4K videos at 60 frames per second (120 Mb/s rate) with digital stabilization (RockSteady), the definition of the headphones goes up to 1440x810p in 60/120 fps with a FOV of 142° or 50/100 fps with an FOV of 150°.
The drone has 3 piloting modes and allows hovering possible, obstacle detection, RTH/automatic return to home and emergency braking. The OcuSync 3 transmission has a range of 10 kms.
In addition to a remote control, a sensitive joystick with integrated movement sensors allows the drone to be controlled in a much more intuitive way.
It is available for $1,299 in bundle (drone + headset + controller) and optional joystick costs $199. (March 2021). |
2020 - DJI Mini 2
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DJI Mini 2
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cutaway illustration of the internal components of Mini 2
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Unveiled in November 2020, the Mini 2 from DJI fixes the main concerns of the first model, the Mavic Mini, released a year ago.
The Mini 2 keeps the same 2/3" sensor of 12 Mpx but now allows 4K/30p and 1080/60p video (100 Mbps bit rate) and captures Raw+JPEG files. It adopts the OcuSync 2.0 link and the Mavic Air 2's remote control. It adds two new modes to Mavic Mini modes: Panorama and Boomerang.
It still weighs 249 grams and has four more powerful and more energy efficient motors powered by a new battery.
It is available for $ 449 for drone and remote control alone or $ 599 as a bundle (November 2020). | |
2020 - Autel Evo II
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Autel Evo II
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Unveiled during in January the CES 2020, the Autel EVO II is a credible alternative to DJI drones.
The Autel EVO II features 3-axis gimbal, it supports for H.264 and H.265 codecs at 120 Mbps, HDR video at up to 4K resolution, 10-bit A-Log gamma and has a 40-minute battery life (35 minutes hovering), a controller with built-in color screen, an 9km video transmission and a total of 12 computer vision sensors located on the front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right side of the aircraft for omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. There are also two ultrasonic sensors located on the bottom of the drone for precision hovering. It does not have geofencing, which will certainly appeal to some.
The EVO II standard uses a 26mm equiv. lens (F1.8 fixed), a 1/2" 48MP Quad Bayer sensor and is the first consumer drone to offer 8K video, it is available for $ 1495 (October 2020).
The EVO II Pro uses a 29mm equiv. lens (F2.8-11) and a larger 1"-type 20MP sensor that gives 6K/30p, 4K/60p or HD/120p recording, it is available for $ 1795 (October 2020).
The EVO II Dual features both an optical 29mm equiv. lens (F2.8-11) and a 640 x 512 thermal camera in a single unit and also maxes out at 6K recording. The modular system allows users to switch cameras if needed on a single drone. It is available for $ 9998 (October 2020). |
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2020 - DJI Mavic Air 2
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Mavic Air 2 © les numériques
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Mavic Air 2 remote control © les numériques
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Mavic Air 2 sensors
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The Mavic Air 2 has the design and some functions inherited of Mavic 2.
It has a camera mounted on gimbal 3 axes stabilized with a fixed focal lens equivalent 24 mm a f/2.8, a 1/2" "Quad Bayer" Cmos sensor (probably a Sony IMX586) of 48 Mpx to shoot photos in 12 Mpx or 48 Mpx and video recordings up to 4K Ultra HD at 60 fps. It has a flight autonomy of 34 minutes maximum, an Ocusync 2.0 link offering a very long range, DJI AirSense technology, many automated shooting modes.
It has an APAS 3.0 obstacle detection and avoidance system (Advanced pilot assistance system) based on 3 pairs of cameras (front, rear and under the aircraft) and two time-of-flight cameras (Time of Flight or ToF, to measure the distance between the drone and everything that is up to 8 m below it) but no side or top sensors. It inherited the FocusTrack function of Mavic 2 which allows it to automatically follow the subject that it is indicated on the screen.
It measures 180 x 97 x 84 mm and weighs 575g and is offered at $ 799 or $ 988 in a "Fly More Combo" kit with 2 batteries, a carrying case, a 3-battery charger and a set of 3 filters for the camera. (May 2020).
2020 - Skydio 2
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Skydo 2
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Skydo 2 3D making
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The Skydio 2 is the second version of the drone designed by former students of the prestigious MIT who notably contributed to Project Wing, the autonomous delivery drone designed by Google.
Thanks to its Nvidia Tegra TX2 graphics chip, its 6 cameras, each with a field angle of 200 degrees, the Skydio 2 is able of performing a 3D mapping of its environment by generating a 3D image of 45 Mpx in real time.
and thus, to calculate its trajectory completely autonomously ... and according to its manufacturer, to dispense entirely with piloting by the user.
The slogan of this drone is: "it does the flying, you do the doing".
For Photo, the Skydio 2 is equipped with a Sony IMX577 1/1.23" CMOS sensor of 12 Mpx with a 20 mm lens opening at f/2.8, mechanically stabilized on 3 axes and orientable downwards (- 110 degrees maximum) and upwards (+45 degrees), a sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 3200, a 4K video mode (UHD) at 60 fps maximum with or without HDR, the possibility of sequences in slow motion at 120 fps in Full HD (1080p).
The Skydo 2 is a compact with non-folding arm drone with a flight autonomy of 23 minutes maximum. It can withstand winds of 40 km/h and reaches a speed of 58 km/h and is more silent than its competitors.
It measures 22.3 x 27.3 x 7.4 cm and weighs 775 grams and is offered at $ 999 on the manufacturer's site (April 2020).
2020 - Yuneec Thyphoon H3 and Leica ION L1 Pro camera
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Camera Leica ION L1 Pro
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Yuneec Thyphoon H3
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After DJI who bought Hasselblad, it's the Chinese brand Yuneec that partners with Leica to offer the hexacopter Typhoon H3.
This professional drone is positioned between the DJI Inspire and the DJI Mavic Pro. It is a stable Hexacopter with 6 rotors with the possibility of activating the 5 rotor mode in the event of a rotor failure,
retractable arms for easy transport, autonomy up to 25 minutes, retractable landing gear, intelligent automatic flight modes: Follow Me, Orbit, Journey,
Curve Cable Cam, Return Home and Auto Landing modes. It also has a redundant control signal, obstacle detection, a Team mode for separate control of the hexacopter and the camera (additional ST16S required).
Thanks to the integrated 3-axis gimbal and the retractable landing gear of the drone, the camera can rotate 360 ° without limit and allows to take smooth panoramic photos.
In terms of data security, Yuneec indicates that its system is a closed system. All communication is done directly between the drone // camera and the ST16S remote control. There is no detour via a cloud solution. All data generated by the Typhoon H3 (photo, video and flight data) belongs exclusively to the customer at all times and can be saved, erased or managed by the drone operator without any restrictions.
The camera developed by Leica Camera AG is the Leica ION L1 Pro which includes a 1" 20 Mpx CMOS camera sensor which can also shoot up to 4K video at 60 FPS with a data rate up to 100Mbit. Images are saved in Jpg or DNG calibrated Leica with corresponding ADOBE profile, the camera has a digital lossless zoom, a 10-bit YLog video mode based on Leica specifications, a semi-automatic ISO / Trigger function,
Automatic exposure bracketing (AEB), a 1/3 level adjustment of EV / ISO / Shutter ...
The Yuneec Typhoon H3 with its Leica ION L1 Pro camera is offered at $ 2,600 (February 2020).
2020 - V-Coptr Factor of Zero Zero Robotics
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V-Coptr Factor of Zero Zero Robotics
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Hover 2 of Zero Zero Robotics
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In 2020, Zero Zero Robotics, a new American-Chinese company presented the V-Coptr which has only two tilting rotors instead of four. The tilting rotors are attached to the end of the arms which extend from the upper body of the drone and can be folded inwards when they are not used to form a compact unit of 8 , 7 x 5.9 x 2.7 inches, for a weight of 26 oz only. The autonomy of this drone is increased to 50 minutes thanks to a 4500 mAh battery and greater efficiency in the air. The V-Coptr is equipped with a 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor allowing it to capture still images at 12 megapixels and 4K videos at 30 fps. The camera is stabilized on three axis to keep the video smooth. The range with video is 4.3 miles maximum.
Zero Zero Robotics also markets the Hover 2 which replaces the first Hover "Passport" version. This small drone weighs 490 grams and measures 23 x 17, 2 x 4.5 cm.
In photo, the “Autoframe” mode allows automatic framing to follow a person. In video, the flight modes reproduce effects used by cinema professionals, namely the “orbit”, “surge”, “ricochet” and “Reveal” modes. The tracking modes is improved and the Omni-follow tracking mode allows faster movement in several directions without losing tracking even in the event of an obstacle. Its AI allows him to guess where you will reappear and find yourself. This drone detects and avoids obstacles. Its camera, stabilized on 2 axes has a CMOS sensor of 1/2.3 inches and 12 megapixels and allows 4K, Full HD and HD videos but also 2.7K in 60 frames per second and Full HD (1080p) at 60 and 120 frames per second.
2019 - DJI Mavic Mini
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Mavic Mini
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Unveiled Wednesday, October 30, 2019, the DJI Mavic Mini is the first new product introduced by DJI, for almost two years. The Mavic Mini is very small (it measures 16 cm long, once unfolded) and light. Its weight (249 g) allows it to be below the limit of 250 gr, which requires to report its drone to the civil aviation authorities (French DGAC) This threshold introduced by the American civil aviation, widely considered as an acceptable compromise, will be integrated into European legislation, in principle from January 1, 2021. Which will make obsolete the current French floor, of 800 gr.
The Mavic Mini can fly to a distance of 4 km from the pilot and has an automatic return system at its starting point with an autonomy of thirty minutes. It has a camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor of 12 million pixels that can capture up to 2.7K/30p or 1080/60p. It may be piloted from a smartphone, which is integrated into a remote control. It is available from $ 399 for drone and remote control alone or $ 499 as a bundle (October 2019). |
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2018 - Decline in the leisure drone market.
According to the newspaper "Le Monde", If the pace of news falters in 2018, it's because drones do not become mass consumer goods like other high-tech family products. The outlook for previously uninterrupted sales growth has been brutally stopped. Highlighted by the very bad period that runs through Parrot, which is expected to dig 100 million euros of losses this year, the plummet of recreational drones rings the end of a cycle.
According to the panels formed by Gfk and NPD, the annual decrease (third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017) of model sales between 500 and 800 euros, located at the heart of the market, reached 33% in value on all major European countries (France, United Kingdom, Germany). In the United States, it reaches 56%. France is the only country where sales remain well oriented (+ 12%). This easily explains the drop in news for a market that may become a renewal market reserved for photo and video enthusiasts.
2018 - Parrot Anafi - DJI Mavic 2 and DJI Phantom 4 Pro
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Parrot ANAFI
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Mavic 2 Zoom and 2 Pro
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Phantom 4 v2 Pro
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The Chinese DJI firm dominates the market of leisure UAVs.
In July 2019, Parrot decides to exit toy (mass-market) drone market to shift its focus toward commercial and enterprise businesses with the Parrot Anafi Thermal with its FLIR Lepton® 3.5 radiometric thermal-imaging camera module to measure and reveal thermal differences.
The American specialist in 3D Robotics (or 3DR) professional UAVs has chosen to abandon the market of mass-market UAVs, just like GoPro after the failure of its Karma UAV.
DJI therefore races in the lead and in addition to developments in its professional UAVs have presented other public UAVs, lighter than 800 grams (see new regulations below).
The Parrot ANAFI is a folding UAV with a very special design that makes it look like an insect.
It has a 4K HDR camera with a CMOS sensor 1/2.4" of 21 Mpx with an hybrid stabilization. It can film in 4K Cine (4096 x 2160) 24p, 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 30p, 2.7K 30p and Full HD 1080 60p. It has an USB-C rechargeable battery that offers a range of 25 minutes, weighs 320 grams and has fun features.
It is available for $ 600 (October 2018).
DJI has updated its Mavic Pro with two models DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and DJI Mavic 2 Pro that differ only by their camera.
They share the same following technical characteristics: up to 31 minutes of flight (against 27 for the original Mavic Pro), 10 sensors to avoid obstacles in all directions, 8 GB of on-board storage, a downward-pointing auxiliary light system, a top speed in sport mode 72 km/h, a Hyperlapse mode, a video transmission with a boost and an update of OcuSync in version 2, which uses both the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies, all two now exceed 800 grams ...
DJI bought Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad.
The Mavic 2 Pro has a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20-megapixel 1" CMOS sensor that has an active detection area four times more efficient than the previous Mavic Pro, a 28mm f.2.8-f/11 lens with Hasselblad's HNCS technology, a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile for greater dynamic range (up to 12800 ISO sensitivity), a 10-bit HDR video mode, and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) format support. Mavic 2 Pro has a weight of 907 grams.
The Mavic 2 Zoom has a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor of 12 megapixel and a 2X optical zoom (24-48mm and 2X digital to 96mm), a Super Resolution panoramic photo mode of 48 Mpx, all for a weight of 905 grams.
The Mavic 2 Pro is priced at $ 1449 and the Mavic 2 Zoom at $ 1249 (October 2018).
DJI also updated the Phantom 4.
The Phantom 4 v2 Pro is equipped with the OcuSync HD transmission system that supports automatic dual frequency band switching and connects to DJI Goggles and DJI Goggles RE wireless. It is a main feature of this model, the OcuSync HD transmission, already used on the Mavic Pro, increases the range of video transmission, which goes from 5 to 7 kilometers and improves the quality of the image, which goes from 720p to 1080p for video feedback.
The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has improved aerodynamics propellers, which can be mounted on the other Phantoms 4 models, and the ESC (new flow-oriented ESC) makes it possible to reduce the noise emitted by the aircraft (by 4 decibels) and to improve the stability and the handling of the aircraft in flight. It keeps the same 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor that can shoot in 4K at 60 fps and shoot continuously at 14 fps. In addition, the FlightAutonomy system includes two rear optical sensors and infrared detection systems for total 5-way obstacle detection and 4-way obstacle avoidance.
The Phantom 4 v2 Pro is priced at $ 1699 (June 2019).
2017 - Parrot Bebop2 - DJI Mavic Air and DJI Spark
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DJI Mavic Air
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DJI Spark |
Parrot Bebop 2 Power |
DJI ZenMuse X7 |
The DJI Spark is a mini UAV with HD camera and gesture controls but with flight autonomy of 15 minutes. It has a 720p video return, a 12 megapixel Full HD camera and an improved transmission range at 2 Km.
It is available with a bright color: white, blue, green, red or yellow for less than $ 400.
Parrot reacted by updating its Parrot Bebop 2 Power direct competitor of the Spark with a 12MP 1920 x 1080p Full HD camera, a range of 2000 meters, control by Skycontroller, Tablet or Smartphone and flight autonomy of 20 minutes.
It is available with remote control and virtual headphones at a price of $ 799.
The DJI Mavic Air is a compact UAV (168 × 83 × 49 mm) and lightweight 430 grams, between the Mavic Pro and the Spark, with folding arms and no compromise. It has a microSD port and 8GB internal storage, an advanced driver assistance system (APAS) that processes the data collected by the seven cameras and embedded infrared sensors, to build a 3D map of the environment allowing blow a more secure flight.
It has a CMOS sensor 1/2.3 of 12 Mpx HDR and a lens of 24mm /f2.8 (35 format equivalent) and flight autonomy of 20 minutes.
Like the Spark, the Mavic Air can be controlled with gestures.
It is proposed in red white or black for $ 800.
DJI is also positioned as a camera manufacturer. Its last camera, the Zenmuse X7 allows to acquire in 24p and 25p a 6K image (6016 x 3200) in DNG RAW Cinema at 30 fps, as well as a 4K/UHD image in Apple ProRes XQ.
The Zenmuse X7 has a Super 35 sensor (24.89 mm × 18.66 mm) and a new proprietary lens mount DL DJI offers 4 new DL mount lenses, built in carbon fiber that is significantly lighter. All lenses are opened at f/2.8: the 16mm embed an integrated ND filter and 24mm, 35mm and 50mm lenses have an internal shutter (up to 1/1000s) in order to limit the effects of rolling shutter or banding.
The ZenMuse X7 is delivered with DJI Inspire 2.
The ZenMuse X7 is priced at $ 2700 for the camera alone, $ 1500 for the 16mm, 24mm and 35mm. The 50 mm will be offered for $ 1400 and the 4 optics together for $ 5 096.
2016 - GoPro Karma - DJI Phantom 3 4K, DJI Mavic Pro and DJI Matrice 600
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DJI Phantom 3 4K
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shooting picture with a leisure drone
(c) jarleton
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drone GoPro Karma |
DJI Mavic Pro |
DJI Matrice 600 with Hasselblad A5D
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Alongside the traditional cameras, smartphones or actioncams, new connected devices now permit to take pictures unthinkable few years ago. This is the case of leisure drones. They offer for the price of an advanced compact new perspectives. The bestseller DJI Phantom 3 is proposed with its 4K camera to $450 (September 2016).
GoPro, that try to diversify its market presents the Go Pro Karma, a drone with folding arms to store it in a dedicated carrying case that also contents the remote control. The drone operates with a detachable 3-axis stabilizer that can be used with an actioncam independently of the drone. It accepts Hero 4 and 5 actioncams.
It is available at a price of $800 for drone Karma alone and $1100 for the Karma drone with HERO5 Black (October 2016).
A few days after Photokina, in response to Go Pro Karma, DJI presents the DJI Mavic Pro, a new drone with foldable arms, smaller than the Karma and that can fit in a backpack. It has a 4K movie mode or can take picture on 12 megapixels (28mm lens) and has many sensors (GPS and similar, ultrasound ...) allowing to fly autonomously, to track automatically the subject, to avoid obstacles, to keep a steady altitude or even to make a selfie by gesture recognition. Its sensors are duplicated to prevent incidents and it comes with a new more compact radio control.
The DJI Mavic Pro is also available for $1100 with the remote control (mid-October 2016).
If you prefer the DJI matrice 600 drone with the Hasselblad A5D, a middle format aerial camera of 50 or 80 megapixels, it will cost $26000 or more.
2021 - New European legislation.
Since January 2021, the new European law leads to new rules on the possession and use of drones in the EU
The drone legislation in France included two categories of flight: professional flight and leisure flight. European lawmakers have categorized thefts based on risk level, not use. These old categories will therefore be replaced mainly by:
the open category, which includes recreational drones (limited to scenario S1);
the specific category, which concerns professional drones (practicing specific scenarios).
In addition, there are 5 classes of drones on the market:
- C0 for drones less than 250 g;
- C1 for drones of less than 900 g having the "direct remote identification" functionality;
- C2 for drones of less than 4 kg having the "direct remote identification" functionality and a reduced speed;
- C3 for drones under 25 kg with the "direct remote identification" functionality;
- C4 for drones under 25 kg without control equipment.
The drone regulations require that operators or pilots declare themselves, in particular those who wish to pilot a drone having a weight: BR>
- greater than 250 g (like the DJI Mavic Air 2 model) or
- less than 250 g, but equipped with a camera (like the DJI Mavic Mini model).
Registration is mandatory and is done online in the new "Mon activité d'Exploitant" section on Alpha Tango. the operator number (in the form "FRA + 13 characters" must be affixed to your drone so that it is clearly legible.
Drones belonging to classes C1, C2, C3 or C4 or weighing more than 800g and having an electronic reporting device must be registered.
The new legislation recommends training for pilots of CE marked drones. Those of the old drones (which are not CE marked) will still be subject to current training.
Training can be done online on the Alpha Tango website. There will soon be the "Formation pour la catégorie Ouverte", specially dedicated to pilots in the open category (C1, C2, C3 and C4). Free, it is valid for 5 years and teaches you the basics (safety, procedures, regulations, etc.).
All of these rules are described in the guide in French available by clicking on this link.
Electronic remote signaling compulsory for devices over 800 grams.
Since June 29, 2020, drones over 800 g are subject in E.U to another obligation: remote electronic reporting.
The objective is that the police can identify a drone, its owner, but also check its flight information (take-off point, direction, height, speed ...) to possibly ensure that it is not do not prepare to enter a prohibited or even sensitive area (nuclear power plant ...).
The manufacturer DJI is offering an update adding the remote electronic identification function for its newer drones (Mavic 2, Phantom 4 Pro V2, RTK and Multispectral, Matrice 200 V2 and 300 RTK).
For others, it is up to the user to purchase and set up such a device and ensure that it works well.
The DGAC's Alpha Tango site is dedicated to drones and allows to register as an operator , to follow an online training , to take the multiple choice exam and to register its aircraft and the associated remote electronic reporting device.
2021 - Automatic flight authorization in the USA.
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DJI FPV
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In USA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), a free service, to automate approvals, in real-time, for both commercial and recreational drone pilots looking to operate in controlled airspace. The program started out as a prototype in 2017 and subsequently became available on top airspace management apps including Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk), UASidekick, Airmap, and the FAA's own B4UFly.
Since launching in beta, over 320,000 LAANC approvals have been granted according to data shared by Aloft last year. More than one-third of those requests were made in the first six months of 2020, especially during the start of the pandemic. LAANC is a critical service for Air Traffic Controllers as well. Having awareness of where and when drones are in their airspace is crucial for safety in regards to both manned and unmanned aircraft.
source DPREVIEW
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