Phantom (UAV)

The Phantom (Chinese: 精灵; pinyin: Jīng Líng) is a series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) developed by Chinese technology company DJI.

Phantom
大疆精灵系列
A Phantom 4 Professional drone
Also known asDJI Phantom
DeveloperDJI
ManufacturerDJI
TypeUnmanned aerial vehicle
Generation4
Release dateJanuary 2013 (2013-01)
March 2016 (2016-03)
InputDJI GO and DJI Go 4 App
Camera1080p or 4K; onboard or gimbal-attached
Websitedji.com/phantom

Current Phantom Drones

Phantom 4 Pro

DJI Phantom 4 Pro, released in November 2016, has a three-axis stabilized camera with a 1-inch 20 MP CMOS sensor. It upgrades its obstacle avoidance with five directional sensors. The Phantom 4 Pro offers two remote controllers, one with a dedicated screen (Phantom 4 Pro+) and one without. It integrates an upgraded Lightbridge HD video transmission system that adds 5.8 GHz transmission support and a maximum downlink video transmission range of 7 km.[1] In addition - DJI released a set of Goggles, which can be used with various DJI equipment, including the Phantom 4 Pro, to allow First Person View (FPV) flying.[2]

Phantom 4 Advanced

Announced on April 13, 2017, the Phantom 4 Advanced uses the same camera sensor as the Phantom 4 Pro.[3] Designed to replace the original Phantom 4, the Phantom 4 Advanced uses the 2.4GHz frequency band, the rear vision sensors and two infrared sensors in the FlightAutonomy system in comparison to the Phantom 4 Pro model. It was shipped on April 30, 2017.[4]

New pricing on the Phantom 4 Advanced has it in more in line with the original Phantom 4.[5]

Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian

Announced at the 2017 IFA trade show, it gives the option to have the Phantom 4 Pro painted in obsidian black. Some build quality upgrades are included with the camera gimbal being made of magnesium.[6][7]

Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, announced in May 2018, improves on the existing Phantom 4 Pro with an OcuSync transmission system, improved ESCs and low-noise propellers.[8] It was relaunched in January 2020.[9]

It uses the same camera as the first iteration of the Phantom 4 Pro.[10]

This edition also features expanded Flight Autonomy with 5-direction obstacle sensing and 4-direction obstacle avoidance. The 6-camera navigation system means the aircraft can avoid obstacles in its flight path, whilst flying at speeds of up to 31 mph. It's also the very first DJI drone to feature an infrared sensing system.[11]

Phantom 4 RTK

The DJI Phantom 4 RTK, released in October 2018, was designed for extremely accurate aerial mapping using real-time kinematic positioning. In addition to RTK, it uses a redundant GNSS module, installed to maintain flight stability in signal-poor regions such as dense cities.[12]

Phantom Drones (Legacy)

Phantom 4

The Phantom 4, released in March 2016,[13] introduces the iconic white body Phantom 4 series design and a safer and better quick release propeller system. It also improves usability by adding obstacle avoidance and an ability to track subjects (ActiveTrack), thanks to its many sensors. Some of its features include GPS, GLONASS, sonar, five separate safety sensors, a camera gimbal, gyroscope, and more. It is slightly bigger and heavier than the Phantom 3 due to a larger battery, but it still maintains a longer flight time and greater top speed. It has a top speed of 20 metres per second (45 mph) in 'sport mode'.

The controller and camera are very similar to Phantom 3 Pro

The maximum video transmission technology on the Phantom 4 is same as the ones on Phantom 3 Pro and Adv, which is Lightbridge 2, it has a maximum FCC flying range of 5 km.[14]

On April 13, 2017 DJI announced the launch of the Phantom 4 Advanced and the end of the Phantom 4's lifespan for April 30, 2017.[15]

Phantom 3

The Phantom 3, released in April 2015,[16] adds built-in lightbridge downlink, that gives the controller a maximum range of 4800 meters (3 miles), and the visual positioning system, that allows the Phantom 3 to better maintain its position at lower altitudes and even indoors where GPS is weak or unavailable. The remote for Professional and Advanced models also has 2 antennas.

There are five models of the Phantom 3:

Professional

Records in 4K, and includes a 100 W fast charger. Remote Controller with [optional HDMI out] and USB in for tablets and smartphones to connect to the controller. A bigger clamp also allows this remote to hold up to a 9.7inch iPad.

Advanced

Records in 2.7K and includes a 57 W charger. Remote Controller with optional HDMI out and USB in for tablets and smartphones to connect to controller. The remote also is big enough to hold a 9.7 inch iPad.

Standard

The Standard was released in August 2015. It features 2.7K video recording. The standard is the basic model without lightbridge, instead it uses WiFi to transmit video and telemetry with a limited range compared to the Advanced and Professional models, and no vision positioning systems. It includes features, as the other models do, such as Point of Interest, Follow Me, GPS Waypoints, Course Lock and Home Lock. For higher end needs one has to select a Phantom 4 model.

4K

The 4K was released in early 2016. Although both the controller and the aircraft appear to look similar to the Phantom 3 Advanced/Professional, the system is very much like the Phantom 3 Standard in that it uses 5.8 GHz for control and uses a 2.4 GHz wifi signal for FPV and telemetry. The range is slightly improved. The controller lacks HDMI / USB ports. The aircraft includes the Visual Positioning System module seen on the Professional/Advanced models.

SE

The SE was originally released in China and for several months was unavailable elsewhere in the world. It became available in North America in August 2017. It was aptly named a "Special Edition" as it is unlike any other aircraft in the Phantom line. Although DJI claims it uses "improved ... Wifi", the system between the controller and the aircraft is more like DJI's Lightbridge signals. The controller converts the data to wifi to allow communication with a mobile device without an attached cable. The active antennas on the controller which communicate with the Phantom are patch antennas hidden inside the controller - one is strictly for transmission and the other is strictly for receiving - which is how the Lightbridge system works. The visible antenna on the outside of the controller is used only to communicate with the mobile device. It has a maximum transmission range of up to 2.5 mi (4 km) in FCC mode, and it has a 4K video camera[17][18]

Vision+
The Phantom 2 Vision+

In the fall of 2014, the Phantom 2 Vision+ V3.0 was released which included significant improvements such as more powerful 2312/960kv motors vs 2212/920kv, better designed motor internals - such as the double-layer single-wire stator for improved efficiency, impact resistant motor bearings, dial on controller to adjust gimbal pitch, rechargeable lipo battery upgrade on controller, a trainer port on controller, enclosed water-resistant compass with thicker insulated cable, extra shielding for the GPS module, new 9450 prop upgrade (from 9443), prop threads changed from metal to composite (less risk of spin-off), harder less-flexible props. Later releases of the 3.0 included an aerated wifi module case to aid in cooling for reduced failure rate and upgraded ESC v2.1 (featuring 4.06 firmware vice the older 4.02 firmware).

The Phantom 2 Vision+, released in July 2014, added a three-axis stabilizer. It had a slightly increased range. It included the same FC200 camera as the earlier released Phantom 2 Vision, but in a completely different enclosure. The wifi module was moved from the camera case to the aircraft's centerboard which unfortunately weakened the aircraft's ability to receive GPS relative to the P2V due to EMF emanating from the module. The wifi patch antennas were moved from the camera case to the sides of the aircraft on either side of the battery. 

[19] It received a no-fly zone software-implanted, warning the user of places where not to fly. (ex. airports).

Phantom 2
The Phantom 2
The Phantom 2 Vision

The (straight) Phantom 2 was released in December 2013 after the Phantom 2 Vision. It uses 2.4 GHz for control and doesn't include a camera. A Zenmuse gimbal could be purchased with the Phantom 2, or it could be added later. The Zenmuse gimbal was made to hold cameras such as the GoPro. Upgrades over the original Phantom include auto-return, increased flight speed, increased flight time and controllable range, increased battery capacity, smartphones, tablets and even some smart glasses compatibility, Wi-Fi module and is available in different performances. Its configuration allows users to remotely tilt the camera and adjust its orientation on two axes for a better level shot.[20]

Vision

Released in October 2013,[21][22] it was the first of the Phantom 2 series to be released, and featured significant upgrades over the original Phantom. It included a one-dimensional gimbal and an HD camera with a 4 GB micro SD card, a built-in anti-vibration mount, advanced Wi-Fi module, a GPS-enabled position holding, return-to-home capability, an improved Naza flight control system, and self-tightening propellers. It is compatible with a ground station and iOS or Android devices. It was the first DJI aircraft to be released with the "Intelligent Li-Po battery" which enabled flight times of almost 20 minutes. It also featured a "Range Extender" device on the controller which worked as a relay for the wifi FPV signal between the aircraft and the controller, thereby increasing signal strength and range.

FC40
The Phantom FC40

The Phantom (Flying Camera) FC40, was an upgrade from the Phantom 1 as it included a gimbal-less camera. The aircraft used 5.8 GHz for control allowing 2.4 GHz to be used for wifi FPV. It is equipped with an iOS/Android app control, Wi-Fi and GPS modules. Using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, it helps its pilot follow in real time via aerial pictures on a mobile device. However, FPV range was limited by the signal strength of the mobile device as the connection between the two was direct. The camera angle is manually set before the flight. The mount can also be used to attached a GoPro camera to the unit as well.

Phantom 1

The Phantom 1, originally known as Phantom, was released in January 2013. It was commonly equipped with a GoPro camera for amateur filmmaking or photography. Its battery life was around 10 minutes with a GoPro. Uses Lithium Polymer batteries.

The Phantom 1

Applications

Several segments of industry are open to commercial use including drone journalism,[23] hurricane hunting, 3-D landscape mapping, nature protection,[24] farming, search and rescue,[25] aircraft inspection, tornado chasing, and lava lake exploration.[26] [27] [28][29][30][31] Drones are also in entertainment[32] and business. The Fox Broadcasting Company used Phantom 2 Vision+'s to promote 24 during San Diego Comic-Con International 2014.[33]

The DJI Phantom has been allegedly used by ISIS in Syria and Iraq to scout, plan for battle, and drop grenades on enemy troops.[34][35]

Technical specs

The DJI phantom drones have mostly similar technical properties. These are the specs for the Vision+ model:

  • Start weight: 1242 g[36]
  • Motor-motor distance (diagonal): 350mm
  • Battery: 5200 mAh Lipo
  • Max. ascent and descent speed: 6 m/s[37]
  • Motor: 920 Kv, Configuration 12N/14P, Maximum Output Power 140 W, size 28x24 mm, weight 50g[38]

Reception

The Phantoms has been popular with hobbyists because of its consumer-friendly appearance and ease of use.[39][40] Drones have made dramatic appearances at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for several years.[41][42]

A drone enthusiast community called SkyPixel has been created to help drone users.[43] Worldwide, drones are the subject of regulations for safety. For example, a number of incidents - such as a Phantom crash landing at the White House,[44] has prompted authorities in the USA (FAA),[45][46][47] the UK (Civil Aviation Authority)[48] and Europe (EASA)[49] to ban them in some locations (ex. airports) or regulate their use and require permits for commercial operators.[50] 2015 Tokyo Drone Incident led to wide-reaching changes to regulations on drones in Japan. However, the FAA has granted exemptions for production in Hollywood, aerial surveillance, construction site monitoring, crop scouting in agriculture and photography in real estate.[51][52]

As of March 2017, DJI controlled over 50% of the consumer drone market according to NPD numbers.

FAA has estimated 'hobbyist' drones reaching between 2.75M and 4.5M units by 2021.[53][54]

See also

References
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  2. "DJI Goggles". Heliguy. 12 September 2017.
  3. "DJI Phantom 4 Advanced – Specs, FAQ, Tutorials and Downloads". DJI Official. Retrieved 2017-04-13.
  4. "What's Changed in the DJI Phantom 4 Advanced?". News Ledge. 2017-04-13. Retrieved 2017-04-13.
  5. "DJI Spark Ships and Phantom 4 Advanced Price Cut Makes it a Deal". News Ledge. 2017-06-30. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  6. "DJI Adopts Tick-Tock Cycle in Upgrading Mavic and Phantom 4 Pro". News Ledge. 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
  7. "Phantom 4 Pro - Professional aerial filmmaking made easy". DJI Official. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
  8. "DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0". Heliguy. May 8, 2018.
  9. Hollister, Sean (Jan 14, 2020). "DJI brings back the Phantom drone, a year after it vanished from stores. Specifically, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0". The Verge.
  10. "DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 vs Phantom 4 Pro". Heliguy. May 11, 2018.
  11. "DJI Release The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Edition". Uplift Drones. June 20, 2018.
  12. "Phantom 4 RTK - Next Gen Mapping Solution - DJI". DJI Official. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
  13. "DJI Phantom 4 release date, price, specs". PC Advisor. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  14. "Phantom 4 Specs". DJI Phantom 4. Archived from the original on 2016-09-09.
  15. "New Phantom 4 Advanced Gives Creators The Ideal Flying Camera For Expanding Their Creative Vision". DJI Official. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  16. "DJI Unveils the Phantom 3". dji.com. DJI. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  17. https://www.dji.com/newsroom/news/dji-phantom-3-se-now-available-in-select-markets-worldwide
  18. https://www.dji.com/phantom-3-se/info?lang=cn#specs
  19. Eric Hansen (5 November 2014). "This Is the Best Drone You Can Buy Right Now". Time. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  20. Ben Coxworth (11 April 2013). "DJI announces stabilized HERO mount, and camera-equipped Phantom quadcopter". gizmag. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlHwhaoUx4g
  22. Alex Fitzpatrick (30 January 2014). "Finally, a Drone You Can Own". Time. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  23. Miles Klee (March 12, 2014). "Watch a Phantom drone in action at the Harlem explosion site". The Daily Dot. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
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  27. "30+ Ways Drones are Being Used". My Dear Drone. May 18, 2017.
  28. Christina Zdanowicz (22 May 2014). "How to shoot amazing video from drones". CNN. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  29. "5 Surprising Drone Uses (Besides Pizza Delivery)". National Geographic. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  30. James Vincent (25 July 2014). "US pensioner missing for three days located by amateur drone pilot in 20 minutes". The Independent. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  31. "Drones are Saving Lives as Next Advancement in Public Safety Technology". News Ledge. 2017-04-26. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  32. Alex Renton (23 November 2014). "Christmas gift: attack of the drones". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  33. Chris Taylor (23 July 2014). "Fox Invades Comic-Con With Drones". Mashable. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  34. Watson, Ben (12 January 2017). "The Drones of ISIS". Defense One. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  35. Shiloach, Gilad (2015-01-26). "This Is ISIS' Favorite Drone". Vocativ. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
  36. http://www.dji.com/phantom-2-vision-plus/info
  37. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-08-09. Retrieved 2017-08-09.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  38. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1000322-REG/dji_cp_pt_000008_replacement_920_kv_motor.html
  39. "China takes the lead in fast-growing drone market". The Japan Times. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  40. David Pogue (June 12, 2015). "The Phantom 2 Vision+ Drone: Your Eye in the Sky". Yahoo. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
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  42. "New drone among most popular unveiled at CES 2015 - New drone among most popular unveiled at CES 2015". USA Today. June 6, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  43. Gregory S. McNeal. "Will Recreational Drone Flying Lead Drone Usage In 2015?". Forbes. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  44. Jim Acosta (2 February 2015). "Friend: Drone crasher wants to apologize to Obama family". CNN. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  45. "DOT and FAA Propose New Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems". Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). February 15, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  46. Ian Morris (November 24, 2014). "Drones Like DJI Phantom Will Soon Require Full Pilot's License In The U.S. For Commercial Use". Forbes. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  47. "China's drone king says the revolution depends on regulators". Reuters. July 30, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  48. Matt McFarlan (January 21, 2014). "How should licensing work for commercial drone operators? A look at Britain's solution". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
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  50. "CAA Approved Drone Licensing". Heliguy.com. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
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  53. "Consumer Drones By the Numbers in 2017 and Beyond". News Ledge. 2017-04-04. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  54. "Fact Sheet – FAA Forecast–Fiscals Years 2016-37". www.faa.gov. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
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