DJI Drones Now Use Plane Avoidance Technology

DJI, the world's bestselling drone-maker has released models that warn their operators when there is a risk posed by nearby aeroplanes or helicopters. The announcement was made at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 trade show in Barcelona.

The M200 series use ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance broadcast) receivers to detect broadcasts from nearby manned flights.

The transmissions allow users to see the position, altitude and velocity of surrounding aircraft so they can take evasive action if required.

"It's an extra safety measure and will help drone operators work in restricted airspace," explained Dave Black from the commercial drone services firm Blackwing Aerial.

"The way we tend to do this is to contact air traffic controllers before we fly, tell them where we are flying and then they contact us by phone if there's going to be any conflict.

Pilots should return their drone to the ground if they detect a threat

"But in time, the authorities may well also want this kind of feature fitted as standard before they approve operations with larger drones."

Mr. Black added that some enthusiasts had created their own ADS-B kit by connecting a receiver to a Raspberry Pi computer with customised software and then tying this to their drone. But he added that an integrated unit would be appreciated.

DJI announced last July that it intended to develop an ADS-B collision avoidance system in conjunction with uAvionix, a specialist in the technology.

The M200 series drones, which debut the feature, are designed for industrial applications such as inspecting power lines and mapping construction sites.

The new drones can be fitted with add-on equipment to help inspect power lines and other infrastructure

They have a range of 7km (4.3 miles) and can stay airborne for up to 38 minutes, but some country's regulators currently require them to stay within line-of-sight.

The aircraft are bigger and heavier than many consumer drones - they weigh 3.8kg (8.4lb) and can carry a further 2kg of equipment - so potentially pose a greater risk if involved in a crash.