DJI Matrice 400: The Next Frontier in Heavy-Lift Drone Technology

The DJI Matrice 400 is poised to redefine enterprise drone capabilities, promising unmatched power for industrial applications. As leaks and FCC filings from early 2025 hint at its imminent release, this heavy-lift drone is generating buzz for its massive 20,254 mAh battery and estimated 10 kg payload capacity. Designed for professionals in surveying, inspections, and emergency response, the Matrice 400 combines cutting-edge technology with DJI’s renowned reliability. In this blog post, we explore the anticipated features, potential applications, and why this drone could be a game-changer for industries worldwide.

Key Points

The DJI Matrice 400 is an upcoming enterprise drone, likely for heavy-lift tasks, with a release expected later in 2025.
Research suggests it has a large battery (20,254 mAh, 977 Wh) and can carry around 10 kg, ideal for industrial use.
It seems likely to be targeted at professionals, not consumers, based on leaks and FCC filings.

Overview

The DJI Matrice 400 is an anticipated drone from DJI, designed for enterprise and industrial applications. As of May 27, 2025, it has not been officially released, but leaks indicate it’s in the final development stages.

Specifications and Features

Based on available information, the drone is expected to feature a high-capacity battery of 20,254 mAh with 977 Wh energy, significantly larger than the Matrice 350 RTK’s 263.2 Wh. It’s speculated to support a payload of around 10 kg, making it suitable for heavy-lift tasks like surveying and inspections.

Release and Availability

While no official release date is confirmed, industry reports suggest it could launch later in 2025, following FCC filings and leaks from early 2025.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the DJI Matrice 400

The DJI Matrice 400 represents DJI’s ongoing commitment to advancing enterprise drone technology, particularly for heavy-lift and industrial applications. As of May 27, 2025, this drone has not been officially released, but extensive leaks and industry speculation provide a comprehensive picture of its potential specifications, design, and market positioning. This section delves into the details, synthesizing information from various sources to offer a thorough understanding for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Background and Context

DJI, a global leader in drone technology, is known for its Matrice series, which caters to enterprise and industrial needs. The Matrice 400 appears to be a successor to the Matrice 600 series, focusing on heavy-lift capabilities. Leaks began surfacing in early 2025, with significant reports from January, providing initial battery specifications, followed by design insights in February and FCC filings in March. These developments suggest the drone is in its final stages before launch, with an expected release later in 2025, as reported by sources like DroneXL.

Specifications and Features

Research suggests the DJI Matrice 400, particularly the 400A variant, is designed for demanding professional operations. Key specifications include:

Battery: Leaked information indicates a battery capacity of 20,254 mAh, with a voltage of 48.23 V and energy output of 977 Wh. This is a 244.43% increase compared to the Matrice 350 RTK’s 263.2 Wh, suggesting extended flight times and the ability to power heavier payloads.
Payload Capacity: Estimates based on battery energy comparisons suggest a payload capacity of around 10 kg (approximately 22 lbs), positioning it as a heavy-lift drone suitable for applications like surveying, inspection, and industrial tasks. This is a significant upgrade from the Matrice 350 RTK’s 2.7 kg (6 lbs) maximum payload, and it aligns with the capabilities of the Matrice 600 Pro, which had a 6 kg (13.2 lbs) payload capacity.
Design: Leaked images, first appearing in February 2025, show a design similar to other Matrice models, with folding arms and a mounted payload. It is speculated to be closer in construction to the Matrice 350, potentially weighing more but offering higher payload capacity.

The drone’s focus on heavy-lift capabilities is further supported by comparisons to other DJI models, such as the Agras T25, which can carry up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of solid weight. However, given the Matrice 400’s construction, its payload is estimated to be lighter, around 10 kg, making it a mid-range heavy-lift option.

Use Case and Target Audience

The Matrice 400 is clearly targeted at enterprise and industrial users, consistent with DJI’s strategy for the Matrice series. It is not expected to be available for consumer purchase, focusing instead on professional applications such as:

Surveying and Mapping: Its high payload capacity and potential for advanced sensors make it suitable for geospatial applications.
Industrial Inspections: The ability to carry heavy payloads could support tasks like infrastructure inspection, where larger cameras or sensors are needed.
Emergency Response: Similar to other Matrice drones, it could be used for search and rescue operations, leveraging its extended flight time and payload flexibility.

Specific details about cameras or sensors have not been leaked, but it is speculated to support DJI’s enterprise-grade payloads, potentially including thermal imaging or high-resolution cameras, based on the design of previous models.

Release Timeline and Current Status

As of May 27, 2025, the DJI Matrice 400 has not been officially announced or released by DJI. However, the following timeline of leaks and developments provides insight into its progress:

January 2025: Initial leaks from DroneXL revealed battery specifications, suggesting the drone was in advanced development stages.
February 2025: A leaked image showed the drone’s design, reinforcing its heavy-lift potential.
March 2025: FCC filings, including the “M400 RC sub2G SDR module,” confirmed the drone’s nearing release, with international testing likely before public launch.

The absence of official announcements beyond March 2025 suggests DJI is taking time to finalize testing and regulatory approvals, but industry speculation leans toward a release later in 2025.

Comparison to Existing Models

To contextualize the Matrice 400, a comparison with other DJI enterprise drones is useful:

Model	Battery Energy (Wh)	Maximum Payload (kg)	Target Use Case
Matrice 350 RTK	263.2	2.7	General enterprise, precision tasks
Matrice 600 Pro	780	6	Heavy-lift, industrial
Matrice 400 (Est.)	977	~10	Heavy-lift, industrial, surveying

This table highlights the Matrice 400’s position as a step up from the Matrice 350 RTK and a potential replacement for the Matrice 600 Pro, with a focus on heavier payloads and extended flight times.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The Matrice 400’s speculated features, such as sub-2 GHz communication modules, suggest it could support beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, enhancing its appeal for utility companies and public safety agencies. This could have significant market impact, potentially prompting competitors like Autel Robotics or Skydio to respond with similar upgrades. However, its success will depend on regulatory alignment and practical performance in real-world scenarios.

For professionals, the Matrice 400 could redefine heavy-lift drone operations, offering a balance between payload capacity and flight endurance. Its integration with DJI’s ecosystem, including potential compatibility with the DJI Dock 3, could further enhance its appeal for automated operations.

Conclusion

The DJI Matrice 400, as of May 27, 2025, remains an eagerly anticipated enterprise drone, with leaks suggesting it will be a heavy-lift powerhouse for industrial applications. Its large battery, estimated 10 kg payload capacity, and expected 2025 release make it a significant addition to DJI’s lineup. While official details are pending, the available information paints a picture of a drone designed to meet the needs of professionals in surveying, inspection, and beyond.