Introduction
Public safety agencies need drones that can see in the dark, withstand harsh conditions, and deliver precise data fast. DJI’s Matrice 30T and Matrice 4TD both fit the bill—but they’re designed with different strengths. This guide compares the two to help search and rescue teams, firefighters, and law enforcement agencies choose the right tool for their missions.
Matrice 30T: Portability and Rapid Response
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Thermal Camera: Detects heat signatures in darkness, smoke, or complex terrain.
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Laser Rangefinder: Provides accurate distance and coordinates up to ~1,200m.
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Compact & Foldable: Designed for quick deployment from vehicles.
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Flight Time: ~41 minutes per battery.
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Durability: IP55-rated for weather resistance.
👉 Best for mobile agencies that need speed and flexibility in deployment.
Matrice 4TD: Endurance and Advanced Sensing
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Thermal Camera + Full-Color Night Mode: Adds NIR auxiliary light for enhanced visibility in complete darkness.
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Laser Rangefinder: Provides pinpoint targeting for inspections or victim location.
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Long Flight Time: Up to 54 minutes with advanced power management.
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Obstacle Avoidance: Rotating LiDAR + millimeter-wave radar for thin-object detection (e.g., power lines).
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Rugged Design: IP55 rating, larger frame, supports heavier payloads.
👉 Best for extended missions where long endurance and advanced obstacle avoidance are critical.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Matrice 30T | Matrice 4TD |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Imaging | Yes (high-resolution) | Yes + Full-Color Night Mode + NIR Light |
| Laser Rangefinder | Yes (up to ~1,200m) | Yes (high precision, integrated) |
| Flight Time | ~41 minutes | Up to 54 minutes |
| Durability | IP55 | IP55 |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Multi-directional vision sensors | LiDAR + mm-wave radar (detects thin wires) |
| Design | Foldable, portable | Larger, non-foldable, endurance-focused |
| Best Use Case | Rapid deployment for SAR, firefighting, LE | Long-duration missions, advanced inspection & safety |
Use Case Scenarios
Search & Rescue
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M30T: Ideal for quick launch in rugged or remote areas.
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4TD: Better for extended operations over wide search areas with endurance advantage.
Firefighting
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M30T: Compact size makes it great for tactical wildland fire deployments.
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4TD: Longer flight time + thermal/NIR system excels for urban firefighting and smoke-heavy conditions.
Law Enforcement
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M30T: Strong for mobile patrols, rapid urban deployments, and event monitoring.
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4TD: Best for extended surveillance and complex urban operations where obstacle avoidance is critical.
Conclusion
The Matrice 30T and Matrice 4TD both bring life-saving capabilities to public safety agencies, but they excel in different ways:
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Choose the Matrice 30T if your team values portability, fast deployment, and versatility.
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Choose the Matrice 4TD if your missions demand long endurance, advanced sensors, and maximum safety in complex environments.
For many agencies, the right solution may be a combination of both—the 30T for rapid-response units and the 4TD for extended or specialized missions.
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