DJI AP100 Parachute

The AP100 lets the Matrice 400 meet EASA C5/C6 and CAA UK5/UK6 operational safety requirements, which opens up compliant flights over populated areas (STS-01) and BVLOS operations (STS-02). It runs on independent power with full-link redundancy and supports both manual and automatic deployment. Response time is under 600 ms, and stabilized descent speed stays below 5 m/s.

Key Specs

• Automatic deployment response: ≤600 ms
• Stabilized descent speed: ≤5 m/s
• Minimum deployment altitude: ≥30 m
• Independent backup power: up to 1 hour
• Post-deployment alarms/strobe: approx. 1 hour
• System weight: approx. 935 g
• Max takeoff weight preserved: 15.8 kg
• Flight time impact: approx. 6 minutes
• Weather protection: IP55
• Operating range: −20°C to 50°C (−4°F to 122°F)

Compliance

Paired with the AP100, the Matrice 400 meets EASA's C5/C6 and the UK CAA's UK5/UK6 operational safety requirements, supporting Standard Scenario compliance for both urban VLOS flight (STS-01) and BVLOS operations (STS-02).

Continuous Self-Monitoring

From power-on through the entire flight, the parachute watches its own gas generator and communication links. Any anomaly triggers a real-time alert through the Health Management System in DJI Pilot 2. An independent flight controller and IMU sensors let the parachute cross-validate data with the drone continuously, which cuts the risk of accidental deployment.

Independent Power

Built-in dual capacitors supply up to an hour of backup power, keeping attitude monitoring and automatic deployment active without depending on the aircraft's main battery or an E-Port connection.

Instant Motor Cut-Off

On trigger, an independent Flight Termination System cuts motor power within 600 ms, stopping the rotors before the parachute ejects, so the lines cannot tangle with the propellers.

Audio and Visual Alarms

After deployment, the system sounds alarms and flashes high-intensity lights for about an hour, clearing the area on the ground and helping operators locate and recover the aircraft.

Deployment Methods

• Automatic, on detected attitude or speed anomalies.
• Automatic, on a Geocaging boundary breach set in DJI Pilot 2 (EU, UK, and other supported regions).
• Manual, via the on-screen slider in DJI Pilot 2.
• Remote, via DJI FlightHub 2's Flight Termination System page, using the aircraft serial number and a verification code (requires a DJI Cellular Dongle 2 and 4G connection; EU, UK, and other supported regions).

Lightweight, Fits the Case

Lightweight design: at approximately 935 g, the system preserves the M400's 15.8 kg maximum takeoff weight, with roughly a 6-minute impact on flight time.

Easy storage: the rear-mounted design avoids interference with battery swaps or payloads. The Matrice 400 fits directly into its carrying case with the parachute attached, saving setup time in the field.

Built for Harsh Environments

Sharing the M400's IP55 rating, the system holds up in heavy dust or rain, and performs consistently across −20°C to 50°C (−4°F to 122°F).

One Trade-Off to Plan For

Fitting the AP100 automatically disables the M400's downward and backward mmWave radars, reducing obstacle sensing in those directions. It is a deliberate design decision, but one worth building into your operational planning.

Single-Use Safety Device

Like all parachute recovery systems, the AP100 is single-use — once deployed, it needs replacing before the next flight. DJI recommends retiring and replacing a unit three years after activation regardless of self-check results.

Use Cases

• Urban patrol (M400 + AP100 + H30T + Spotlight + Speaker): broadcast traffic guidance or event safety notices, with fewer safety-driven mission limits in dense urban areas.
• Facade cleaning (M400 + AP100 + cleaning equipment): fly close to glass curtain walls with a safety chain that reduces risk to buildings and the ground — often a condition for the work permit itself.
• Delivery (M400 + AP100 + delivery box): lab-to-hospital transport, remote and island delivery, and time-critical parcels, backed by a fail-safe for urban airspace operations.