Civilian drone maker DJI will install airplane and helicopter detectors in new consumer drones in a bid to reduce the growing number of drone incidents at airports.
All new DJI drone models released after January 1, 2020 that weigh more than 250 grams will include AirSense technology, which receives ADS-B signals from nearby airplanes and helicopters and warns drone pilots if they appear to be on a collision course.
The AirSense technology can detect airplanes and helicopters from miles away, farther than a drone pilot can hear or see them, and displays locations on the screen of the pilot’s remote controller.
“DJI leads the drone industry in developing safety technology and education, and we continue that tradition today by setting higher expectations for ourselves, our competitors and regulators,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI vice president for policy & legal affairs.
Drones have become a problem at airports worldwide. At London Gatwick a suspected drone closed the airport for 33 hours in December, disrupting the journeys of around 140,000 passengers.