DJI Matrice 4TD First Responder Kit — Thermal Drone for Law Enforcement, Fire & SAR

The Matrice 4TD First Responder Kit puts thermal imaging, three optical cameras, a laser rangefinder, a 114 dB speaker, and a 100-meter spotlight into one deployment-ready package, formatted for agency procurement.

The 640x512 thermal sensor detects body heat through smoke, darkness, and dense cover. The fixed-arm airframe deploys faster than any folding platform because there's nothing to unfold at the scene. AL1 Spotlight and AS1 Speaker are both included, so you get thermal search, illumination, and public address from one aircraft with no payload swaps.

We send same-day quotes formatted the way your procurement office or grant writer needs them.

Quick Facts

• Deployment: Fixed-arm airframe, no unfolding
• Thermal: 640x512 with UHR super-resolution
• Cameras: 5 sensors (thermal + 3 optical + laser rangefinder)
• Payloads: AL1 Spotlight and AS1 Speaker included
• Weather: IP55 rated for rain, dust, and debris
• Delivery: 5 to 7 business days standard
• Agency terms: Net 30 available for qualified buyers
• Coverage: CPS Drone Protection available at checkout

Who This Kit Is For

This is the kit built for public safety agencies that need a complete thermal deployment package without going through multiple procurement rounds. That includes:

• Law enforcement running patrol, perimeter, and tactical support
• Fire departments needing thermal overwatch for structure fires and wildfire perimeter tracking
• Search and rescue teams covering missing persons across difficult terrain
• Sheriff's offices building drone as first responder programs
• Emergency management teams that need a complete platform with procurement documentation support on day one

If your department is flying a fleet that's aging out, standing up a new UAS program, or looking to upgrade from the Matrice 30T, this kit is where most agencies land.

What's in the Kit

• DJI Matrice 4TD aircraft with a five-sensor gimbal: 640x512 infrared thermal camera, 48MP wide-angle (24mm), 48MP medium telephoto (70mm), 48MP telephoto (168mm), and laser rangefinder with up to 1,800m measurement range
• DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller with sunlight-readable display, dual physical control sticks, running DJI Pilot 2
• DJI AL1 Spotlight with 100m illumination, gimbal-linked auto-tracking, always-on and strobe modes
• DJI AS1 Speaker with 114 dB output, 300m broadcast range, live voice with echo suppression
• 240W Charging Hub for sequential battery charging in the field
• DJI 240W USB-C Power Adapter
• DJI Matrice 4TD Hard Case with custom foam for the full kit
• 3 pairs of Low-Noise Anti-Ice Propellers
• 64GB microSD Card, gimbal cover, cables, and screwdriver

Choose Your Configuration

• 4-Battery Kit: Right for most single-incident responses and standard operational periods.
• 6-Battery Kit: The call for extended search and rescue, multi-hour tactical deployments, and departments that want continuous coverage without mid-shift charging interruptions.

Both kits ship complete. No additional purchases required to deploy.

Need help deciding which configuration fits your operation? Call us at (863) 224-6923 or email sales@covertdrones.com for a same-day quote.

How It Works in the Field

The fixed-arm airframe is airborne faster than folding platforms because there's no unfolding procedure at a scene where every second matters.

Once you're up, the 640x512 thermal camera picks up heat signatures through smoke, darkness, and dense cover. UHR mode pushes resolution higher so you can read the scene clearly from altitude. Punch in with the 48MP telephoto at 168mm equivalent to visually confirm what thermal found, whether that's identifying a subject, reading a plate, or assessing a structure from 250 meters without repositioning the aircraft.

The laser rangefinder tags GPS coordinates on the target at up to 1,800 meters so your ground team walks straight to the location. The AL1 Spotlight tracks with the gimbal automatically so your light stays on whatever the camera is pointed at. The AS1 Speaker broadcasts live or pre-recorded audio at 114 dB from up to 300 meters, so you can light up a subject and issue verbal commands simultaneously from one aircraft.

RTK positioning gives you centimeter-level accuracy for evidence documentation and accident reconstruction. The whole system runs on DJI Pilot 2, which your pilots likely already know if you're coming from any DJI enterprise platform.

Agency Use Cases

The M4TD isn't a single-mission platform. Departments use this kit for:

• Missing person searches with thermal detection and spotlight coordination
• Active shooter and tactical perimeter overwatch to track suspect movement without exposing officers
• Structure fire assessment and hotspot mapping through smoke before ground entry
• Vehicle pursuit overwatch and SWAT coordination
• Wildfire perimeter mapping and crew safety monitoring
• Hazmat scene standoff reconnaissance using the IP55-rated airframe
• Aerial evidence searches in wooded and marshy terrain
• Accident reconstruction with geo-tagged RTK imagery for court evidence
• Public address and crowd management from altitude

If you're building a drone as first responder program, the M4TD pairs directly with DJI Dock 3 for autonomous 911 dispatch launch. Deploy it as a handheld kit today and upgrade to autonomous dock operations when the budget allows.

Built for Drone as First Responder (DFR) Programs

Drone as First Responder is the fastest-growing public safety drone deployment model in 2026. A DFR program puts a drone in the air automatically the moment a 911 call hits dispatch, giving responding units real-time aerial overwatch before the first patrol car arrives on scene. The M4TD is the DJI airframe built for this. The fixed-arm design pairs directly with DJI Dock 3 for autonomous launch, flight, and return-to-base in roughly 10 seconds from dispatch.

If your department is exploring a DFR program, the M4TD is the right platform to start with. Deploy it as a handheld kit today using the included RC Plus 2 controller, then add Dock 3 when the budget allows. Same aircraft, same sensor suite, same software. No platform migration required.

What a DFR program with the M4TD typically delivers:

• Drone on scene ahead of patrol units giving dispatch real-time eyes on the call before officers commit
• Reduced officer exposure on high-risk calls like active shooter, armed suspect, or barricade situations where thermal overwatch confirms location without putting officers in line of sight
• Lower deployment cost per call because autonomous dock launch removes the requirement for a pilot to drive to the scene
• 24/7 readiness with Dock 3 keeping the aircraft staged, charged, and weather-protected between calls

The regulatory side is where it gets practical. Most DFR programs today operate under FAA BVLOS authorization, which is currently issued as a Part 107 waiver and will transition to Part 108 permits or certificates after the final rule takes effect (expected mid-to-late 2026). Some agencies start with shielded operations (typically rooftop launches in controlled corridors) that don't require full BVLOS authorization. We can't write your waiver application or certificate package, but we can help you spec the equipment side correctly so what you submit reflects what the M4TD and Dock 3 actually do. Call us at (863) 224-6923 if you want to talk through how other agencies have structured their DFR rollout.

Upgrading from the Matrice 30T?

Most agencies moving from the M30T to the M4TD see immediate gains. Here's what changes:

Feature	Matrice 30T	Matrice 4TD
Thermal Resolution	640x512	640x512 with UHR super-resolution
Airframe	Folding	Fixed-arm (faster deployment)
Cameras	Wide + Zoom + Thermal + Laser	Wide + Medium + Telephoto + Thermal + Laser
Dock Compatibility	DJI Dock	DJI Dock 3 (DFR ready)
Obstacle Avoidance	Standard	LiDAR + millimeter-wave radar
Weather Rating	IP55	IP55
Controller	RC Plus	RC Plus 2 (same DJI Pilot 2 software)

Transition time for pilots already running the M30T is minimal. Same software, same controller family, faster deployment.

Procurement & Funding Support

We provide same-day formal quotes with line-item pricing, product specifications, cost justification documentation, and W-9, formatted exactly the way your procurement office or grant writer needs it. Net 30 terms are available for qualified agencies.

Call us at (863) 224-6923 or email sales@covertdrones.com and we'll get it to you the same day.

Important note on federal funding: As of December 22, 2025, FAR 52.240-1 restricts the use of federal funds (including federal grant pass-through dollars such as SHSP, UASI, AFG, EMPG, Byrne-JAG, and COPS) for the procurement of DJI products. This kit may still be procured using agency operating budgets, state-only funds, asset forfeiture proceeds, foundation funding, and other non-federal sources. If you're not sure which funding source applies to your purchase, call us and we'll work through the compliance question with you before you commit.

Protection and Coverage

This is an unused DJI Matrice 4TD with zero flight hours. We activate each unit prior to shipment to verify proper function and regional compatibility. It has never been flown.

Please note: Because we complete a universal, region-free activation, this unit is not eligible for DJI Enterprise Care or DJI's U.S.-based manufacturer warranty. DJI can still service and repair these units through their paid repair program if needed.

If your drone arrives with a defect, contact us within 72 hours of delivery and we'll coordinate a replacement or repair at no cost to you under our DOA policy.

CPS Drone Protection Plan (Available at Checkout)

We offer the CPS Accidental Drone Protection Plan as an optional add-on at checkout. This covers both personal and commercial use, so whether you're flying as a public agency or under a commercial contract, you're protected. The plan covers:

• Crash and impact damage including hard landings, collisions, and damage during normal flight operations
• Water and liquid damage if the aircraft goes down in a body of water or wet environment beyond its IP55 rating
• Internal hardware failure covering malfunctions not caused by user error
• Remote controller coverage for hardware malfunctions and accidental damage to the RC Plus 2
• Camera and gimbal coverage for the integrated five-sensor package

If CPS can't repair the drone, they replace it. A deductible applies at the time of the claim. Plan lengths vary depending on the option selected at checkout. Without DJI Enterprise Care available on these units, the CPS plan is the most straightforward way to protect the investment from day one.

Optional Add-Ons

Accessory	What It Does
Covert Tactical Vision 21.5" Field Monitor	Incident command watches thermal and optical feed in real time without standing over the pilot. Useful for coordinating ground teams or running multi-agency operations.
PowerHub 200W Triple Charger	Charges 3 batteries simultaneously instead of one at a time. Significantly cuts battery rotation downtime between deployments.

Why Covert Drones

Family-run shop out of Haines City, Florida. We've been equipping fire companies, sheriff's offices, and search and rescue teams since 2017.

Real people answer the phone at (863) 224-6923. We supply same-day quotes with line-item breakdowns, help you pick the right kit for your mission and budget, and provide all the procurement documentation your department needs. No pressure, no upsell.

View our Return & Refund Policy before purchasing. Covert Drones LLC is an independent U.S. reseller. Not affiliated with or authorized by DJI. All units are unused, activated, and ship with zero flight hours. Purchaser is responsible for compliance with all applicable FAA regulations.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Thermal Camera	640x512 uncooled VOx sensor with UHR super-resolution mode
Telephoto Camera	48MP (1/1.5" CMOS), 168mm equivalent, positive visual ID from 250 meters
Mid-Tele Camera	48MP (1/1.3" CMOS), 70mm equivalent, mid-range situational awareness
Wide-Angle Camera	48MP (1/1.3" CMOS), f/1.7, 24mm equivalent, full scene overview
Laser Rangefinder	Up to 1,800m range at 1Hz. Tags GPS coordinates directly on targets.
AL1 Spotlight	100m illumination range, gimbal-linked auto-tracking, always-on and strobe modes
AS1 Speaker	114 dB at 1m, 300m broadcast range, live voice with echo suppression
Flight Time	Up to 49 minutes per battery (verify against current DJI specifications)
Obstacle Avoidance	LiDAR + millimeter-wave radar. Detects 12mm wire at 15 m/s.
Transmission	DJI O4+ Enterprise, SDR + 4G hybrid, up to 25 km range (FCC)
Positioning	Integrated RTK, centimeter-level GPS accuracy
Wind Resistance	12 m/s operational, 15 m/s return-to-home
Operating Temp	-20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F)
Weather Rating	IP55 rated for rain, dust, and debris
Airframe	Fixed-arm, no unfolding, faster scene deployment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the M4TD eligible for federal grant funding?

As of December 22, 2025, FAR 52.240-1 restricts the use of federal funds (including federal grant pass-through dollars such as SHSP, UASI, AFG, EMPG, Byrne-JAG, and COPS) for the procurement of DJI products. The M4TD can still be procured using agency operating budgets, state-only funds, asset forfeiture proceeds, foundation funding, and other non-federal sources. If you're working through procurement compliance, call us at (863) 224-6923 or email sales@covertdrones.com and we'll work through your specific funding source with you before you commit.

What thermal drone do law enforcement agencies use?

The DJI Matrice 4TD is the current standard for law enforcement, fire, and search and rescue agencies that need an all-weather thermal platform with autonomous capability. The Matrice 30T is still widely deployed in existing fleets, but most agencies upgrading today are moving to the M4TD for the improved thermal resolution, faster deployment, and DFR readiness.

Can the M4TD be flown manually without DJI Dock 3?

Yes. The M4TD pairs with the included DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller for full standalone manual operation. Dock 3 is an optional upgrade for autonomous operations and is not required to deploy this kit. Agencies commonly start with the handheld kit and add Dock 3 when the budget allows without replacing the aircraft.

What's the difference between the 4-battery and 6-battery kit?

The 4-battery kit covers most single-incident responses and standard operational periods with hot-swap rotations. The 6-battery kit extends operational time substantially, which is the right call for extended search and rescue missions, multi-hour tactical operations, and departments that want continuous aerial coverage without bringing the aircraft down mid-shift.

How is the M4TD different from the Matrice 30T we're running?

The M4TD delivers higher thermal resolution with UHR super-resolution mode, a fixed-arm airframe that deploys without unfolding, five integrated sensors with no payload swaps, and Dock 3 compatibility for DFR program expansion. It runs the same DJI Pilot 2 software and RC Plus 2 controller your pilots already know, so transition time is minimal.

Do the AL1 Spotlight and AS1 Speaker work at the same time?

Yes. Both payloads operate independently or simultaneously from a single aircraft. You can illuminate a subject with the spotlight while broadcasting verbal commands through the speaker without splitting attention between systems or switching payloads.

Does the M4TD require Part 107 for law enforcement operations?

Law enforcement agencies operating under a FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) as a public aircraft operation may be exempt from Part 107 requirements. Commercial and non-governmental operators require Part 107 certification. Confirm your agency's operational status with your FAA regional office or legal counsel before flying.

How fast does it ship and do you offer agency Net 30 or purchase order terms?

Standard delivery is 5 to 7 business days. For agency Net 30 and purchase order purchasing, contact us directly at sales@covertdrones.com or (863) 224-6923 and we'll get the paperwork set up before the order is placed.

Can the M4TD detect targets through smoke or fog?

The 640x512 thermal camera detects infrared heat signatures and does not depend on visible light, so it performs through smoke, darkness, light fog, and dense foliage. Heavy fog or precipitation can reduce effective thermal range. The IP55-rated airframe is designed for rain and dust deployment, which is why it's the right call over non-rated platforms for fire and hazmat scene operations.