DJI Enterprise has introduced the DJI AP100 Parachute, its first dedicated parachute system for the DJI Matrice 400.
Designed as an emergency recovery system, the AP100 can deploy automatically or manually to slow the aircraft’s descent, helping protect the drone, its payload, and people and property below. For Matrice 400 operators working in complex environments, it adds an important safety layer for missions involving flights over people, populated areas and BVLOS operations.
A new safety system for the DJI Matrice 400
The DJI AP100 Parachute has been purpose-built for the Matrice 400 and is not compatible with other DJI Enterprise aircraft.
In an emergency, the AP100 deploys to reduce descent speed and bring the aircraft down under canopy. It can be triggered automatically when the system detects abnormal flight behaviour, or manually by the operator through DJI Pilot 2.
This makes it a major addition for M400 operators looking to build safer, more compliant workflows around urban patrol, mapping, infrastructure, facade cleaning and delivery-style missions.
Key DJI AP100 Parachute features
The AP100 has been built around fast response, controlled descent and operational compliance.
| Feature | DJI AP100 Parachute |
|---|---|
| Compatible aircraft | DJI Matrice 400 only |
| Weight | 935g |
| Trigger response | Under 600ms |
| Descent speed after deployment | ≤5 m/s stabilised |
| Minimum deployment altitude | 30m |
| Max total take-off weight | 15.8kg including aircraft, payload and parachute |
| Deployment methods | Automatic and manual |
| Ingress protection | IP55 |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to 50°C |
| Flight-time impact | Approx. 6 minutes |
| Certification | C5/C6, UK5/UK6, MOC 2511/2512, ASTM F3322 |
Automatic and manual deployment
The DJI AP100 Parachute supports both automatic and manual deployment.
Automatic deployment is designed to activate when abnormal attitude, severe rolling, diving, free fall or rapid altitude drop is detected. Manual deployment can also be triggered in an emergency through DJI Pilot 2 by tapping the parachute icon and swiping right.
The system includes a built-in Flight Termination System, which cuts propulsion and stops all motors before the parachute is deployed. This helps prevent suspension-line entanglement during the recovery sequence.
How the DJI AP100 works
From detection to landing, the AP100 follows a six-stage safety sequence:
- Detect – Independent sensors monitor for flight anomalies, motor stall, abnormal rotor speed and voltage-drop.
- Trigger – The parachute is triggered automatically or manually.
- FTS – The Flight Termination System cuts propulsion and stops the motors.
- Eject – A pyrotechnic gas generator ejects the parachute pack.
- Decelerate – The canopy inflates and slows the aircraft’s descent.
- Land – The aircraft descends under canopy with alarms warning people nearby.
The AP100 also includes a buzzer and flashing light, which continue for approximately one hour after deployment to warn people on the ground and help locate the aircraft after landing.
Built for compliant operations
One of the biggest benefits of the AP100 is the role it can play in helping Matrice 400 operators build a stronger safety case for more advanced operations.
The AP100 supports:
- C5/C6 compliance in the EU
- UK5/UK6 compliance in the UK
- MOC 2511 / MOC 2512 declaration
- ASTM F3322 certification
Together, these approvals help M400 operators build the safety case for flying over people and BVLOS. Coptrz can support operators with the wider operational authorisation process, including operations manuals, risk assessments and training.
Designed for real-world enterprise missions
The DJI AP100 Parachute is suited to Matrice 400 missions where additional ground risk mitigation is required.
Example application scenarios include:
- Urban patrol for traffic management and event security over streets and populated areas.
- Urban mapping for city-scale 3D capture over built-up environments.
- Facade cleaning where drones operate close to glass curtain walls and property.
- Delivery missions involving medical supplies, samples, documents, special-terrain routes and last-mile operations.
For operators working in urban or complex environments, the AP100 adds an additional safety layer that can support route approvals, work permits and operational planning.
Mounting and compatibility
The AP100 mounts on its own dedicated accessory bracket at Port 4 on the Matrice 400. This means it can coexist with the M400’s gimbal and accessory payloads.
A gimbal safety tether is also required when operating the Matrice 400 with the AP100. This provides a redundant physical backup and helps prevent payload detachment caused by the shock of parachute deployment.
Operators should also note that once the parachute is mounted, the M400 automatically disables its downward and backward mmWave radars, reducing the ability to avoid small obstacles below and behind. Flight planning should account for this.
Safety and maintenance
The AP100 is a single-use safety device. Once deployed, it cannot be reused and the aircraft and parachute must be sent for inspection and servicing before flying again.
DJI also recommends retiring and replacing the product three years after activation, even if self-checks pass.
Pre-flight checks should include confirming that:
- The parachute exterior is intact, with no moisture or water ingress.
- The parachute and bracket are securely installed.
- The gimbal safety tether is correctly secured.
The AP100 reduces potential damage to people and property on landing, but it does not eliminate risk entirely. It should be treated as one layer within a wider operational safety system.
Speak to Coptrz about the DJI AP100 Parachute
The DJI AP100 Parachute is a major addition for Matrice 400 operators looking to strengthen safety, compliance and operational capability.
By combining DJI’s first-party parachute system with Coptrz support around training, authorisation and operational planning, organisations can build a clearer pathway towards more complex flights over people, populated areas and BVLOS environments.
To find out more about the DJI AP100 Parachute for the Matrice 400, speak to the Coptrz team today.
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