In recent years, the low-altitude economy has witnessed rapid development, and the application of drones has expanded significantly. Among the emerging types of drones, cargo-carrying drones have become increasingly prominent, actively operating in scenarios such as emergency rescue, material transportation, and construction in mountainous areas. In some respects, they are already taking on tasks traditionally associated with general aviation.
Recently, DJI launched the DJI FlyCart 100 (DJI FC100), a cargo drone capable of carrying up to 80 kilograms, with a performance upgrade over its predecessor, the DJI FC30. Despite these upgrades, the price has dropped significantly, which industry analysts believe will further broaden the scope of cargo drone applications and impact the development of the low-altitude economy.
The need for more versatile solutions has led to the evolution of drones from being niche tools to essential, specialized equipment. Using drones for delivering goods is not a new concept. Globally, there have been several instances where regular drones have been employed to deliver food and medical supplies in urgent situations to save lives. Larger agricultural drones have often doubled as transporters in rescue operations.
For example, during the 2022 Chongqing wildfires, when some areas were too treacherous for motorcycles to reach, local cooperatives deployed 11 agricultural drones to deliver firefighting equipment, drinking water, and food supplies to aid the fire suppression efforts. However, the use of agricultural drones in such situations was more of a temporary workaround, as regulatory, technical, and safety concerns were still prevalent.
In 2023, DJI introduced the DJI FlyCart 30 (DJI FC30), a civilian cargo drone specifically designed for low-altitude transportation. It has a maximum load capacity of 40 kilograms (in single-battery mode) and is equipped with specialized features such as a professional cargo hook system, high-altitude capabilities, extended flight time, smart algorithms to minimize cargo sway, a safety wire fuse (to release cargo in case of emergency), and a parachute. This expanded its application range significantly.
For instance, Tan Zhang, the captain of the Yuelu Blue Sky Rescue Team, mentioned that while drones cannot directly transport people, they could be used to carry rescue equipment, thus enabling rescue teams to travel lighter and faster, accelerating the speed of rescue operations. Similarly, a forestry worker noted that the DJI FC30 was used in mountain firefighting to transport essential supplies, such as food or fire-fighting tools, to the frontlines rapidly.
The latest DJI FC100, which boasts enhanced capabilities compared to the DJI FC30, can carry up to 80 kilograms in single-battery mode (65 kilograms in dual-battery mode). This increase in load capacity significantly boosts the productivity of aerial logistics operations.
According to Luo Xiao, head of Gansu Cangqiong UAV Emergency Rescue Service Center, the DJI FC100 has substantially enhanced the productivity of the aerial logistics industry, with its versatile, high-load capacity making it ideal for a wide range of terrain and weather conditions.
With the ability to reach altitudes of up to 6,000 meters, the FC100 can operate in complex environments, such as high-altitude regions, snow-covered mountains, and coastal areas. In essence, it is like a “flying pickup truck” for low-altitude airspace.
Furthermore, as noted by Liao Kewen, chairman of Chengzhi Intelligent, the DJI FC100 can be adapted for firefighting tasks, with its water delivery capacity being four times more efficient than that of the FC30, demonstrating the potential of multi-drone operations in enhancing firefighting capabilities.
The DJI FC100’s ability to accept various high-end payloads, including high-resolution cameras and infrared sensors, also opens up possibilities for real-time aerial reconnaissance and quick delivery of emergency supplies to people in distress. This adaptability demonstrates the drone’s far-reaching potential in multiple emergency rescue and logistical applications.
Beyond emergency situations, the use of cargo drones has now extended into daily life. Drones are increasingly employed to transport agricultural supplies, products, building materials, and even solar panels in the low-altitude economy. The DJI FC30 and FC100 are ideal for “urgent, difficult, dangerous, and heavy” tasks. “Urgent” refers to time-sensitive transport needs. Drones are particularly advantageous in these scenarios.
For example, perishable fruits like peaches and lychees require swift transport, as road transportation may result in fruit spoilage due to bumpy conditions and delays. Many mountain orchards have already begun utilizing drones for fruit transport, streamlining the logistics process. Although the DJI T100 agricultural drone also supports cargo-carrying functions, its use is still primarily confined to the agriculture, forestry, and livestock industries.
The FC100, however, is certified for commercial use (though it is still undergoing regulatory approval) and is designed for flights over urban and suburban areas that have been approved for low-altitude operations, offering an innovative solution for last-mile urban deliveries.
“Difficult” refers to challenging terrain, such as mountainous, high-altitude, or water-surrounded areas. Drones have proven to be highly effective in improving the efficiency and safety of material transport in such areas. The DJI FC30, for example, has been used in tasks like power line installations, bridge construction, and even delivering supplies to remote mountain camps.
The FC100 offers an even greater capacity, allowing it to carry heavier loads, such as cement bags, thicker cables, or larger components. Additionally, the FC100 can be equipped with various sensors, robotic arms, and even third-party equipment, expanding its applications to industries such as research, surveying, security, and maintenance.
“Dangerous” scenarios include high-voltage areas, fire scenes, or chemical spill zones. In these environments, the unmanned nature of drones mitigates the risk of human casualties. In many cases, drones are now authorized to transport hazardous materials, carrying out tasks such as the delivery of absorbent agents or equipment repairs. The ability of drones to operate in hazardous environments significantly reduces risk to personnel while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Heavy” refers to high-priority materials. The DJI FC100’s range of up to 6 kilometers in single-battery mode and 12 kilometers in dual-battery mode makes it an ideal solution for short- to medium-distance transport.
Its high-speed capabilities also reduce the risk of theft, making it suitable for the transportation of valuable goods such as medical supplies, blood, or even precious metals and jewelry. Logistics companies are already exploring the integration of DJI drones into their systems, forming the foundation for a new low-altitude logistics ecosystem.
The arrival of the DJI FC100 further validates the emergence of the cargo drone sector, and with advancing technology, the cost-performance ratio is improving rapidly. Ten years ago, a drone capable of carrying 30 kilograms would have cost over a million dollars, making it accessible only to a select few.
However, the DJI FC30, released in 2023, can carry up to 40 kilograms and is priced at only 125,000 yuan, a cost that many grassroots organizations can now afford. The DJI FC100, which can carry up to 80 kilograms, has a starting price of just 89,999 yuan, making it even more accessible to a wider range of users.
The reduction in operational costs is also a key factor in the widespread adoption of cargo drones. In the past, large-load drones were powered by fuel, making their maintenance and operational costs prohibitively high for most organizations.
With the transition to electric-powered drones, these costs have decreased significantly, opening up new possibilities across various industries. With the advancement of electric vehicle technology and battery development, the operating costs of cargo drones are expected to continue to decline, further expanding their potential.
Looking to the future, the market potential for cargo drones is vast. Like agricultural drones, which have become essential tools in modern farming, cargo drones will increasingly become vital players in the low-altitude economy.
With the increasing range of applications and the development of new technologies, it’s only a matter of time before cargo drones create a more efficient, intelligent, and accessible world through a connected low-altitude network.