FlyCart 30 (cargo drone)

2024

Delivery of goods and cleaning of garbage on Everest

Drones began to carry out cargo delivery and garbage collection on Everest, greatly facilitating the tasks of climbers and contributing to the preservation of the cleanliness of the mountain. The initiative is being implemented as part of a new project launched by the Nepalese government in conjunction with DJI Delivery and their partners.

Testing of drones to transport cargo and clean up debris on the southern slope of Everest began in April 2024, DJI Delivery said. During the tests, the DJI FlyCart 30 (FC30) drone showed the ability to deliver cargo weighing up to 15 kg to a height of up to 6,000 meters. The tests were conducted under the conditions of Everest Base Camp (5,300 metres) and C1 Altitude Camp (6,000 metres).

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DJI

According to DJI Delivery officials, the new approach to transport on Everest substantially reduces the risk to climbers who have previously had to navigate dangerous areas such as the Khumbu Icefall. While it takes 6-8 hours to cross this icefall, it only takes a drone FC30 10 minutes to complete the same task.

DJI Delivery noted that drone technology includes automatic connection to operators with the strongest signal, which ensures reliable data transmission and stable operation in highlands. A special flight path has been developed, continuing even after the loss of the signal, which allows the drone to successfully deliver cargo.

Tests have shown that the FC30 can take off and operate at -5 ° C and a wind speed of 15 m/s, reaching a height of 6191.8 meters and hovering in the air for 17 minutes. After delivering the cargo to a distance of 2.7 km and overcoming an altitude of 700 meters, the drone retains 43% of the battery charge, which demonstrates its high efficiency and reliability.

DJI Delivery specialists noted that the drones have already proven their effectiveness, setting a world record for transporting goods to an altitude of 6,000 meters. This opens up new opportunities for commercial climbing projects and rescue operations around the world, the company said.^[1]

Product Announcement

On January 10, 2024, DJI announced its first cargo drone, the FlyCart 30 (FC30) model. The developer says the drone overcomes traditional transportation challenges with its significant carrying capacity, long range, high reliability and intelligent features.

The apparatus has a coaxial four-axis eight-blade multi-rotor configuration with carbon fiber propellers. The maximum flight speed is 20 m/s. In a dual battery configuration, the drone can deliver a payload weighing up to 30 kg over a distance of up to 16 km. In a single battery configuration, the load capacity increases to 40 kg, but the delivery distance does not exceed 8 km.

DJI FlyCart 30

The DJI O3 transceiver maintains a stable connection between the drone and the checkpoint at a distance of up to 20 km. Dual operator mode allows you to transfer control between two pilots located in different places with one click. The drone is designed to operate in extreme conditions. It has IP55 protection, can function at temperatures from -20 to + 45 degrees Celsius and fly at wind speeds up to 12 m/s. Standard propellers are optimized for heights from 0 to 6000 m and provide the ability to lift up to 3000 m with a payload of 30 kg. Self-heating batteries maintain optimal performance even at low temperatures.

Various security features have been implemented. Before take-off, the drone assesses whether it is possible to fly along a given route, taking into account environmental conditions. The drone warns about the upcoming launch using audiovisual signals. During flight, the dual active phased array radar and binocular vision system provide all-weather, multi-directional intelligent obstacle detection at any time of day. The integrated ADS-B signal receiver alerts in a timely manner to nearby crewed aircraft. The drone folds for ease of transportation in a standard-sized vehicle.^[2]

Notes