DJI’s Matrice 400 has established itself as a durable, long-endurance enterprise drone, designed for applications such as infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, and mapping. A recent firmware update introduces a significant capability: fully automated takeoff and landing from moving ships.
With firmware versions Aircraft: v14.01.09.06, Remote Controller: v01.64.05.23, and DJI Pilot 2 App (Android): v14.1.9.8, the Matrice 400 can now autonomously launch from and return to a ship’s deck. Using onboard vision systems to detect designated landing markers, this feature enhances the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.
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The process involves placing a dark-colored landing marker (minimum 3 × 3 meters) on the deck, enabling “Boat Launch Mode,” and initiating takeoff to 20 meters altitude. On return, the drone detects the marker and auto-lands when the C1 button is pressed. If the marker is not recognized, the aircraft ascends and attempts re-detection, supported by visual and audio alerts.
The Matrice 400 offers up to 59 minutes of flight time and a 6 kg payload capacity with support for seven mounting points. Its sensor suite includes LiDAR, mmWave radar, and low-light fisheye cameras, enabling operation in challenging conditions such as fog or low visibility. It features the O4 Enterprise Enhanced transmission system with up to 40 km range, airborne relay capability, and advanced flight modes such as terrain following, SmartTrack, AR overlays, and obstacle detection. The IP55-rated frame supports operation in temperatures from −20°C to 50°C.
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This update improves workflows for maritime patrol, offshore wind turbine inspection, coastal surveillance, and other ship-based missions, which previously required manual launch and retrieval. Automated operations now reduce human error, enhance safety, and increase efficiency.
The firmware also maintains compatibility with DJI’s broader ecosystem, including D-RTK stations, the BS100 Intelligent Battery Station, Zenmuse payloads (H30, H30T, P1, L2, S1, V1), and mounting platforms such as X-Port and Skyport. Updates can be performed through DJI Assistant 2 and the Pilot 2 app.