As Romeo Durscher steps back from the drone industry, facing retirement due to a recent health diagnosis, he reflects on a career that has shaped not only technology but lives around the world. In this interview with DRONELIFE, Romeo shares stories from his remarkable journey—defined by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. […]
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WingXpand, which is an emerging U.S. drone company known for its uniquely portable, expandable drones, just scored a significant partnership that could propel it higher in the military and defense space. That’s because WingXpand this week announced a collaboration with defense giant Raytheon.
The collaboration will bring Raytheon’s advanced infrared and AI capabilities to WingXpand’s xRAI drones in what could very likely give a significant boost to the drone’s threat-detection abilities.
For WingXpand, this deal represents a major step in continuing to establish itself as a key player in defense-focused drone technology. The St. Louis, Missouri-based company was founded just a few years ago in 2022. Though it has commercial clients, WingXpand has increasingly been following in the path of other American drone companies such as Utah-based Teal that are seeking to catch the attention of the defense community.
And for what it’s worth, WingXpand is already an established player in the military drone space. In fact, this Raytheon collaboration came about as part of an ongoing U.S. Army contract. WingXpand has also worked with the U.S. Air Force and Navy (as well as civil entities). Meanwhile, WingXpand also recently won the U.S. Army’s xTechSpecialForces competition, signaling significant government interest in the Missouri-based drone company.
At the heart of the partnership is a new integration of Raytheon’s infrared sensors and AI algorithms into WingXpand’s xRAI drones. This technology will allow the drones to quickly identify potential threats in real time, making them more effective tools for soldiers, public safety teams and other responders operating in fast-paced, high-risk environments.
For WingXpand, this collaboration builds on their fleet of drones that are both portable and functional. Rather than the quadcopter style that serves most drones, WingXpand drones are fixed-wing aircraft (like airplanes). Their unique selling point? The wings quickly come on and off, making the drones just as portable as most quadcopters. (Check out my deep dive on how WingXpand makes their drones fit into a backpack.)
Wingcopter’s xRAI model also embodies that model, expands from a compact backpack to a full-sized drone, is designed to adapt to a variety of situations, from tight urban spaces to rugged terrain. By bringing Raytheon’s threat-detection tools into the mix, WingXpand will be able to equip its drones with a greater level of situational awareness. Particularly for military customers, that could be a huge selling point.
In addition to the Raytheon partnership, WingXpand recently rolled out a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability for the xRAI drone. This feature is new to WingXpand, but is found in other popular aircraft such as Wing’s delivery drones. With VTOL aircraft, you get the best of both worlds: vertical takeoff like a helicopter, but long flight times like a plane.
That just means the xRAI can operate more effectively in restricted spaces where traditional runways or open fields aren’t an option for takeoff — all the while being compact enough to carry on your back.
In fact, WingXpand claims its drones can fly 5x longer, while carrying 10x more weigh, than traditional drones.
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The two Collaborative Combat Aircraft designs – one each from Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems – passed their critical design reviews in early November, clearing the way for detailed production efforts to get underway, the Air Force said Nov. 13. However, the way ahead for future upgrades and increments of CCA remain undecided. Colonel […]
At the Milipol Qatar Summit, China’s ZIYAN, alongside local partner MANNAI Corp, highlighted emerging security trends and unveiled an intelligent, cost-effective UAS platform tailored to evolving industry needs. ZIYAN participated in the Milipol Qatar Summit & Exhibition 2024, one of the foremost worldwide stages for security technology and solutions. Concentrated on delivering heightened capabilities for […]
The Russian unmanned aerial vehicle Supercam S350, developed and manufactured by the Unmanned Systems Group, was presented during the Securex Uzbekistan 2024 expo, held in Tashkent from November 5 to 7. The company is offering the combat-tested drone for a wide of missions. Supercam unmanned aerial vehicle systems can be useful for Uzbekistan to protect […]
– AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc., a provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, announced that it has secured 17 new purchase orders for eBee TAC drones from U.S. defense and security customers. Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle commented, “We are grateful to reach […]
It was 1950, and US Navy pilot Glenn T. Farnsworth was in trouble in North Korean airspace in his F4-U Corsair. His squadron, the Stingers, was on its first mission of the Korean War. While trying to avoid anti-aircraft fire, he collided with another Corsair and saw his comrade crash into the ground below. He […]U.S.-Made Smart Plane Innovations Enhance Threat Detection and Tactical Flexibility WingXpand, an autonomous smart plane manufacturer based in St. Louis, Missouri, has announced a new collaboration with Raytheon, an RTX business known for its defense technology. This collaboration aims to advance capabilities in threat detection and operational flexibility for defense and civil applications. Additionally, WingXpand […]
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New funding from Lightspeed and gradCapital supports Airbound’s mission to transform last-mile delivery through cost-effective, efficient drones. Drone technology startup Airbound has raised $1.7 million in a seed round led by venture capital firm Lightspeed, with additional backing from gradCapital. This funding will help Airbound further develop its innovative TRT delivery drone, designed for enhanced […]
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FTC disclaimer: I did not get paid by DJI or any other party to write this DJI Air 3S review. I do make money off affiliate links, which means I make a small percent of any purchases you make from the links below. Thank you in advance for supporting The Drone Girl!
What’s the best drone for travel photographers? Right now, it’s the DJI Air 3S.
Especially due to its forward-facing LiDAR for enhanced obstacle detection, 42GB of internal storage, powerful build even in wind, and a dual-camera system, it’s an excellent companion for anyone serious about travel photography.
I just spent the week on the Hawaiian island of Oahu to put in the hard work for you — testing it out. When I was there, it was high humidity and, though I didn’t fly it in direct rain, it was always pretty rough weather. Despite the wind (in part to flying close to the ocean, as well as generally rougher weather), it held up. And even in Hawaii’s rainy, overcast November days, the Air 3S delivered bright, vibrant images.
Suffice to say, I’m in love with the DJI Air 3S. Let this DJI Air 3S review be proof!
If you’re someone who takes your drone with you when you travel, this is the best drone you can buy right now. But I will give you more to work with (and to make your case why this drone is worthwhile), with my complete DJI Air 3S review. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Air 3S compares with other DJI drones, its ideal users, and why it’s definitely worth the price.
There are all sorts of specs to note on the DJI Air 3S. But since I’m pegging this as the best drone for travel right now, here are the specs that traveler will especially love.
The first Mavic Air launched back in January 2018 as a small, portable drone much like what DJI’s entry-level drone at the time, the DJI Spark, offered. But it was a big upgrade from the Spark, as it had the ability to fold up like the Mavic Pro to become even smaller, plus more powerful features included gesture control, the ability to shoot 4K video, plus features like TapFly and ActiveTrack.
Since then, the Mavic Air line has flourished, serving a sweet spot between smaller drones like the DJI Mini series (which don’t succeed as well in rough conditions like wind) versus the DJI Mavic series, which sits at a price point higher than what many photographers can afford.
And then DJI dropped the DJI Air 3S on Oct. 15, starting at $1,099. That’s the same price as the DJI Air 3 upon its launch — yet this one is a clear upgrade.
Here’s a look at how the Air 3S has advanced from previous models in the Air series:
| Feature | DJI Air 2 | DJI Air 3 | DJI Air 3S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | 48MP single | 48MP single | 50MP, dual-camera system |
| Max flight time | 34 minutes | 46 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Obstacle detection | 3-way | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional with LiDAR |
| Internal storage | 8GB | 8GB | 42GB |
| New features | Basic obstacle | Advanced modes | Panorama Mode, enhanced night |
| Starting price | $799 | $1,099 | $1,099 |
Clearly the DJI Air 3S brings substantial upgrades in obstacle sensing, storage, and camera quality. And sure, while the Air 3 is a strong drone in its own right, the Air 3S’s features cater to travelers wanting more flexibility and ease when capturing high-quality content.
Related read: DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: is it worth the upgrade?
There’s a lot to love about this drone. But these were my four personal favorite features.
The DJI Air 3S truly shines with its camera upgrades, providing sharp, high-resolution footage. Check out my YouTube video embedded just above this paragraph to see shots in flight!
With its larger sensor (1-inch CMOS, 50MP Effective Pixels), higher dynamic range, and better low-light performance, this drone can shoot largely professional-grade images and videos that would be more than high-enough quality for something like a wedding or concert recording.
The extended battery life of the DJI Air 3S (45 minutes) relative to something like the DJI Mini 4K (just 31 minutes) offers incredible convenience. I felt okay taking long flights (and multiple flights throughout one roadtrip around the island of Oahu, sans car charger) without constantly worrying about recharging.
DJI has streamlined its footage transfer process on the Air 3S, coming a long way from the clunky days of connecting GoPro cameras back in the Phantom 1 days. Before, editing footage was a headache.
Nowadays, it’s quick and efficient to get content from the drone to your phone (and ultimately Instagram, or wherever you post). After flying, I powered on the drone, opened the DJI Fly App, and instantly downloaded my footage. This convenience allowed me to upload shots to my Instagram (@thedronegirl) right after flying!
Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions during my time in Oahu, the Air 3S — with its 12 m/s wind speed resistance — handled Hawaii’s gusty winds impressively. Normally, with a lighter drone or in a less robust model, I’d wait for calmer weather. I’m generally a risk-averse pilot! Alas, I didn’t have the luxury of time on this trip. Thankfully, the Air 3S’s advanced wind resistance allowed me to fly anyway, capturing the footage I needed even on rough wind days.
The DJI Air 3S is generally good for you if you identify as a…
That said, skip the DJI Air 3S if you identify as a…
I dropped a bunch of drone names above. Want to learn more? Here’s a brief comparison of the DJI Air 3S against its closest competitors.
Both the DJI Air 3S and Mini 4 Pro are travel-friendly (largely given their small size). But, they differ in features and target users. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | DJI Air 3S | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 724g | 249g |
| Camera | 50MP, dual-camera system | 48MP, single-camera |
| Max Flight Time | 45 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Obstacle Detection | Omnidirectional with LiDAR | 4-way directional |
| Storage | 42GB internal | microSD only |
| Ideal For | Intermediate to advanced travelers | Beginners and ultra-light packers |
| Starting price | $1,099 | $759 |
At just 249 grams, the Mini 4 Pro is much more portable. It’s also cheaper. And because it weighs under 250 grams, it’s exempt from many forms of regulation. Notably, the Mini 4 Pro does not need to be registered with the FAA for recreational operations. It also does not need to be Remote ID compliant.
However, the Air 3S has superior flight time, camera quality and obstacle-sensing tech. That makes it a better choice for those prioritizing high-end footage and longer flights.
The Mavic 3 Pro is DJI’s top-tier model, so how does the more budget-friendly Air 3S compare? Do you really need to pay roughly twice as much for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro?
| Feature | DJI Air 3S | DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 724g | 895g |
| Camera System | 50MP, dual-camera | Triple-camera with 20MP main lens |
| Max Flight Time | 45 minutes | 43 minutes |
| Obstacle Detection | Omnidirectional with LiDAR | Advanced omnidirectional |
| Storage | 42GB internal | 8GB internal, microSD support |
| Color Profiles | D-Log M, HLG, 10-bit H.265 | D-Log M, HLG, ProRes options |
| Ideal For | Serious travelers, photographers | Professional filmmakers |
| Starting price | $1,099 | $2,199 |
The Mavic 3 Pro is the professional’s choice with more versatile lenses and ProRes recording. But if you’re a traveler wanting excellent quality without extra weight and cost, the Air 3S strikes that balance.
Starting at $1,099, the Air 3S is more expensive than beginner drones. Still, it’s well below the Mavic 3 Pro’s price tag. For price sensitive pilots, there are plenty of great, cheap DJI drones under $600.
The cheapest DJI drone that I recommend is the DJI Neo, which is just $199. Of course, the DJI Air 3S and Neo are very different drones, and it’s hardly fair to compare them. The Neo is a selfie or indoor drone. The Air 3S is for pilots who want big, sweeping shots but at a lower price (and with a few less specs) than the DJI Mavic 3.
Here’s a look at the available configurations:
| Package | Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| DJI Air 3S with DJI RC-N3 | $1,099 | Standard remote controller, smartphone/tablet compatibility |
| Fly More Combo with RC-N3 | $1,399 | ND filters, 2 extra batteries, charging hub, shoulder bag |
| Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 | $1,599 | High-brightness RC 2 controller with screen, extra accessories |
I generally recommend the Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2. Sure, the shoulder bag and extra batteries are nice. But, the real reason to go with it is for the DJI RC 2. The RC 2 controller has a built-in screen, which eliminates the need to connect a smartphone. That removes one major friction point: needing to make sure your phone is charged and connected (cables, ugh). With just one connection point, this is much better for pilots who want to be in the air quickly.
Annoyingly, that brings the price up by $500. I think it’s worth it, as flying is so much more seamless and enjoyable. You’ll get much more use out of the drone. And if you’re judging the value by price per flight, I guarantee you’ll fly more with the DJI RC 2 versus the DJI RC-N3. Do some girl math, and more flights = more value, which is worth the upgrade.
The DJI Air 3S is a premium travel drone that combines high-end features with portability. From forward-facing LiDAR for safer navigation to a spacious 42GB storage capacity, it excels in ease of use, image quality and travel readiness. Sure, it’s priced above entry-level models, so it’s not for everyone. But, the Air 3S’s features make it worthwhile for travelers and photographers seeking a high-quality, user-friendly drone.
Whether you’re shooting panoramic cityscapes or ocean waves (like I did in Hawaii), the Air 3S is best for anyone wanting easy-to-gather, high-quality aerial footage.
FTC disclaimer: No, DJI does NOT pay me for reviews!
I make money through affiliate links. When you buy a drone through one of the links in this guide, I do make a small commission. Thanks in advance for considering shopping through my site! It keeps more guides like this DJI Air 3S review coming!
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