DJI Avata Hits FCC Database, Making It Clear DJI Is Getting Ready to Launch Its First Indoor Drone Ever

Thanks to a recent FCC filing, we now have more evidence that DJI is getting close to releasing the Avata.

The FCC issues codes like the ones shown above after it completes testing, so this filing makes it clear that the Avata is almost ready for launch.

News broke about the Avata back in May, when rumors began circulating online that DJI was working on its first ever indoor drone.

Credit: @OsitaLV

The Avata looks like it’s designed to fly in confined spaces, where it could potentially collide with its surroundings. According to what we’ve learned, this design is due to the fact that it’s a cinewhoop.

Cinewhoops became incredibly popular last year. They’re made to shoot the high-speed FPV fly throughs that have quickly become a favored way to showcase businesses, sports stadiums, and venues used for weddings and other events.

Here’s one from Jay Christensen,  one of the masters of the form.

Recent Avata Leaks

Leaks first started coming out about the Avata a little over two months ago, with drone industry insiders @OsitaLV and @DealsDrone sharing pictures of the forthcoming indoor drone.

Avata? pic.twitter.com/3aqwLBXM9L

— OsitaLV (@OsitaLV) May 18, 2022

Since then there have been more leaks, including one about a delay with the Avata’s release.

BAD NEWS: I know a lot of people are waiting for Avata news, but it seems that Avata is going to delay the release. I heard about the related factory expansion and moving to a new location…

— 航拍世家 打手 (@DealsDrone) July 22, 2022

Although the Avata was originally slated to come out in July, it now looks like it probably won’t hit the shelves for another few months. But the FCC filing supports the idea that it will come out soon, despite the delays.

To back up this idea, another picture came out just two days after the tweet above, showing that the Avata is ready to fly even though DJI may not quite be ready for mass production.

Avata power on! pic.twitter.com/yMOjxSHy9O

— OsitaLV (@OsitaLV) July 24, 2022

Everything We Know about the Avata

According to the leaked images we’ve seen, the Avata will come with propeller guards, allowing it to fly close to objects and people without endangering them or itself, as is typical with most cinewhoops.

Credit: @OsitaLV

One unusual characteristic of the Avata for the cinewhoop world is that, while most cinewhoops come with a mount where you can attach a GoPro, the Avata looks like it will have a DJI camera built into it. Further, rumors indicate that this camera will have the same video quality as the camera that comes with the new DJI Mini 3 Pro.

To support the built-in camera, it looks like the Avata will come with vibration reduction and stabilization, possibly borrowing from the stabilization features found on DJI’s RockSteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady, which come with the DJI Action 2 camera.

Given that the drone will have a single-axis gimbal instead of a three-axis gimbal (like most DJI drones) RockSteady’s electronic stabilization will be an important feature for helping pilots capture steady, stable footage.

Here are all the specs we know so far for the Avata:

• Weight. 1.1 pounds (500 grams).
• Battery life. About 20 minutes.
• Obstacle avoidance. Two obstacle avoidance sensors facing down and a rear obstacle avoidance sensor, also facing down.
• Single-axis gimbal. Unlike most DJI drones, which have a three-axis gimbal, the Avata will have a single-axis gimbal.
• Indoor ready. The drone has ducts to protect its propellers and the camera is recessed into the fuselage, making it safer for flying in tight indoor spaces where it may bump into walls.
• FPV glasses. A phone connection will enable FPV glasses for pilots of the drone.
• Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). The drone will come with DJI’s EIS technology, which helps make footage appear smooth even when it’s captured while the drone is flying quickly.