Emergency Parachute Systems Developed for DJI Matrice Drones

By Mike Ball / 07 Oct 2018
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DJI Matrice 200 drone with Fruity Chutes parachute

Unmanned Systems Source, an online supplier of unmanned parts, components, and systems has announced the availability of Fruity Chutes’ new Automatic Emergency Drone Parachute for DJI’s Matrice 200 and Matrice 210 drones. The system is lightweight and easy to use, and can be packed and loaded by the user, eliminating the need to send it back to the manufacturer after use.

A Harrier parachute launcher is included, which features a high energy compression spring that ejects the parachute out and away from the Matrice 200/210 quickly. The launcher has no regulatory or transportation limitations so users can take the Matrice 200/210 with parachute system anywhere. The centerpiece of the parachute system is the Fruity Chutes Iris Ultra Light Chute which weighs 4.8oz (135g). The parachute has a nominal rating of 13.6 lbs (6.2Kg) @ 15 feet per second (4.6Mps) descent rate after deployment, providing a gentle landing. The parachute can easily work at heavier load weights of 10Kg or more, allowing the use of optional heavier cameras or batteries without worry.

The parachute is now available from Unmanned Systems Source >

The parachute system is entirely self-contained, and not reliant on the Matrice 200/210 power, so it works even if the drone’s battery has a complete failure. The automatic trigger system (ATS) can detect if the drone suddenly falls, rolls, or flips. Detection of a fall typically takes just 0.75 seconds, or about 16 feet of free fall. By the time the pilot notices a problem, the parachute will already be ejected.

The Skycat Rescue Radio is based on the Team Black Sheep Crossfire 250mw transmitter (1W also available) and the TBS Nano receiver. The system uses 868MHz (EU, Russia) or 915MHz (USA, Asia, Australia). When combined with the ATS the parachute can be both automatically deployed in case of a failure, or manually deployed by the pilot in command in case the pilot loses contact with the drone, such as a flyaway. Operation other than 2.4 Ghz allows the rescue radio, and the Matrice transmitter to avoid interference.

To make setting up faster a quick start guide is supplied with resource links to online tutorials and help resources. QR codes are also provided to make navigation to help resources a smartphone click away.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact