Overview

DJI Dock 2 and DJI Dock 3 are DJI’s autonomous drone-in-a-box systems designed for remote operations, scheduled missions, and persistent aerial monitoring. They allow organisations to deploy drones without a pilot physically on site, supporting use cases such as security, infrastructure monitoring, emergency response, construction progress tracking, and environmental monitoring.

They are most commonly used by:

Police and emergency services
Utilities and infrastructure operators
Local authorities
Construction and engineering firms
Large estates and critical sites
Organisations running BVLOS-style operations (with appropriate permissions)

What Both Dock 2 and Dock 3 Do

Both systems provide:

Autonomous launch and landing
Automated battery charging inside the dock
Weather monitoring and safety checks before flight
Remote mission planning and execution via DJI FlightHub 2
Live video streaming to remote operators
Health monitoring of aircraft and dock
Secure enclosure for the aircraft when not in use
24/7 remote operational capability

Neither dock can be used standalone – both rely heavily on DJI FlightHub 2.

Core Difference Between Dock 2 and Dock 3

The biggest difference is that they are designed for different aircraft generations and operational scales.

DJI Dock 2

Dock 2 is designed for compact, rapid-deployment autonomous operations.

Compatible aircraft:

DJI Matrice 3D
DJI Matrice 3TD (thermal version)

Key characteristics:

Smaller physical footprint
Easier to deploy (rooftops, poles, temporary sites)
Lower overall system cost
Ideal for:
- Site security
- Local authority monitoring
- Construction progress
- Perimeter patrols
- Rapid-response deployments

Dock 2 systems are often deployed in networks across multiple sites.

DJI Dock 3

Dock 3 is DJI’s next-generation heavy-duty autonomous platform, designed for more demanding operations.

Compatible aircraft:

DJI Matrice 4D series (Dock variants of the Matrice 4 platform)

Key characteristics:

Supports more advanced aircraft and payload capabilities
Designed for more complex, data-heavy missions
Higher operational ceiling and performance potential
Better suited to:
- Critical infrastructure
- Public safety operations
- National-scale deployments
- BVLOS-style networks
- Long-term permanent installations

Dock 3 is aimed at organisations building serious autonomous drone infrastructure rather than lightweight deployments.

Aircraft Differences (Dock 2 vs Dock 3 Ecosystem)

Dock 2 aircraft (Matrice 3D / 3TD):

Smaller airframes
Fixed integrated payloads
Shorter flight times compared to large enterprise platforms
Designed for efficient autonomous missions rather than heavy payload work

Dock 3 aircraft (Matrice 4D variants):

Newer, more powerful airframes
Improved sensors and intelligence features
Better performance in challenging environments
Built for advanced enterprise workflows

This makes Dock 3 more suitable for mission-critical operations where data quality and flexibility matter more.

FlightHub 2 Dependency

Both Dock 2 and Dock 3 rely on DJI FlightHub 2 for:

Mission creation and scheduling
Live flight monitoring
Remote control (where enabled)
Device health management
Media management
User permissions
Operational logging

Without FlightHub 2:

Docks cannot be effectively operated
Remote missions cannot be scheduled
Autonomous workflows will not function

Connectivity Requirements

Both docks require:

Reliable internet connection (typically Ethernet)
Stable bandwidth for video streaming
Continuous power supply
Proper network configuration (firewalls must allow communication with DJI servers)

Many dock “faults” are actually caused by:

Network restrictions
Poor bandwidth
Incorrect firewall settings
Unstable power supply

Typical Use Cases

Common Dock 2 deployments:

Industrial site monitoring
Construction progress reports
Campus security
Asset inspections
Property management
Temporary deployments

Common Dock 3 deployments:

Emergency response networks
National infrastructure monitoring
Utility-scale inspections
Critical site surveillance
Multi-site coordinated operations
Long-term autonomous programmes

Operational Limitations to Understand

Docks do not remove regulatory requirements
Operators still need:
- Appropriate CAA permissions
- Approved operational authorisation (where applicable)
- Proper procedures and oversight
Dock systems still require:
- Maintenance
- Battery health management
- Periodic physical inspection

They are autonomous tools, not “set and forget” systems.

Common Deployment Considerations

Before installing any dock system, organisations should consider:

Power availability
Internet reliability
Physical security of the dock location
Weather exposure
Airspace restrictions
Permission requirements
Ongoing operational management
Support and maintenance planning

Dock projects succeed most often when they are treated as operational infrastructure, not just hardware installs.

Top 10 FAQs

What is the difference between DJI Dock 2 and DJI Dock 3?
Dock 2 supports Matrice 3D/3TD and is designed for lighter, compact deployments. Dock 3 supports Matrice 4D aircraft and is built for more advanced, large-scale operations.
Can I use my existing Matrice 30 or M350 with a dock?
No. Dock systems only work with specific dock-compatible aircraft (3D/3TD for Dock 2 and 4D variants for Dock 3).
Do I need FlightHub 2 to use a dock?
Yes. FlightHub 2 is essential for mission planning, monitoring, and remote operation.
Can the dock fly missions automatically?
Yes. Missions can be scheduled and executed autonomously once configured.
Can I control the drone manually from the dock?
Yes, remote manual control is possible via FlightHub 2 where enabled and permitted.
Does the dock work without internet?
No. A reliable internet connection is required for core functionality.
Is Dock 3 better than Dock 2?
It depends on the use case. Dock 3 is more powerful and future-focused, but Dock 2 is often more practical and cost-effective for many deployments.
Can docks be used for emergency response?
Yes. Both are used for public safety, with Dock 3 being better suited to large-scale coordinated operations.
Do docks remove the need for pilots?
No. They reduce the need for on-site pilots but still require trained operators and oversight.
Are Dock systems weatherproof?
Yes. They are designed for outdoor deployment, but extreme conditions can still impact availability and performance.