It looks like DJI is about to launch a new folding drone. Images and videos of a folding DJI drone have been shared online following some leaked images and FCC filings.
What do we know?
The news of DJI’s new drone was first posted on X by Jasper Ellens (@JasperEllens). His account is normally very reliable when it comes to rumors about new products in the drone world. Over a series of posts, Ellens shared leaked images and videos. He also put up images from DJI’s FCC (Federal Communications Commission) filing for the new drone.
DJI Flip
Ellens shared an image showing a schematic drawing of the new drone and also the FCC data plate. This clearly shows the new drone model name as the DJI Flip, with the model number DF1A0424. In addition, the documentation included a bottom-up technical sketch of the new drone. One immediately noticeable feature is that the propellors on the DJI Flip are housed in large circular guards. These guards also have protective spokes, so they look a little like pushbike wheels.
Folding design
Ellens also shared a video of the DJI Flip’s folding design on X. In the post, he said, “Thanks to my friend YueYue this is the world’s first view of the #DJIFLIP. The Flip will be the next gen #foldable DJI drone (video)”. The video demonstrates the four large propellor guards being folded out in pairs. In addition, Ellens posted another video showing early factory samples of the propellor guards. He commented that they looked extremely light and strong.
Other rumors
The Drone XL website has also posted about the DJI Flip. It listed features including an advanced LiDAR array matching the DJI Air 3S’s sensor capabilities and support for DJI’s O4 video transmission system. Drone XL also suggested that the DJI Flip could launch as soon as January 2025. In addition, the FCC filings revealed that the DJI Flip will come with a 3,110 mAh battery. This is more than double the capacity of the 1,435 mAh battery used by the DJI Neo.
What we think
The early leaked images of the DJI Flip are certainly interesting. Its large, spoked propellor guards are a very distinctive feature. The folding design is also reminiscent of the Hover Air X1. However, it’s unclear where the Flip might fit into DJI’s drone lineup. Some people have suggested that the new drone will be released instead of the much anticipated DJI Mini 5. Others have commented that the propellor design could reduce noise making it ideal for urban use. Hopefully, the rumored January 2025 launch date is correct so we don’t have long to wait to find out more.
