DJI Dropper System
A custom-built payload release system for DJI drones, servo-driven and triggered directly by the drone’s on-board under-light.
Designed, manufactured and coded entirely in-house, it carries one or two items as standard. Because we develop the firmware ourselves, custom trigger logic, sequencing and release behaviour can be built to your requirements. See the DJI Dropper System product page for more.
Servo Driven · Custom Logic · 1–2 Items
What Is It
The DJI Dropper System uses the drone’s on-board under-light as its trigger, eliminating the need for a separate transmitter channel or additional controls for the pilot to manage in flight.
The system is designed, manufactured and programmed entirely by Firefly UAV. This gives us complete control over both the hardware and firmware, allowing the release behaviour to be adapted to specific requirements. Custom trigger conditions, release sequences, timers, and other behaviours can be developed on request. Our firmware can also be made available for customer inspection, providing transparency over how the system operates.
For training, we also offer a separate physical safety switch to arm and disarm the dropper. This provides an additional layer of control and helps prevent accidental activation during take-off, landing and handling.
Key Features
- Servo-driven release — consistent and repeatable payload release
- On-board under-light triggering — no separate transmitter channel required
- 1 or 2 items — designed for single or dual-payload missions
- Optional safety switch — additional control for training and handling
- Fully built in-house — hardware, manufacturing and firmware developed by Firefly UAV
- Custom logic available — trigger conditions and release behaviour tailored to your requirements
Typical Use Cases
- DJI-based operations — payload delivery for teams already operating DJI platforms
- Search and rescue — delivery of supplies, markers or equipment
- Training — repeatable payload release using dedicated training platforms
- Multi-item missions — sequential release of two separate payloads during a single flight
DJI Dropper vs FPV Dropper
We build payload release systems for both DJI and FPV platforms. The right system depends on your airframe and operational requirements.
| DJI Dropper System | FPV Dropper System | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DJI platforms | FPV drones |
| Trigger | On-board under-light | AUX switch |
| Items carried | 1 or 2 | Configurable |
| Best for | DJI operators wanting simple, integrated payload release | Tactical FPV operations and custom drop sequences |
If your fleet is DJI-based, the DJI Dropper integrates directly with the aircraft without requiring a separate transmitter setup.
For FPV platforms, our FPV Dropper System provides a more configurable solution with transmitter-based triggering and custom release logic.
Why Build a Custom DJI Dropper In-House?
Off-the-shelf payload accessories are generally designed for broad compatibility rather than a specific operational requirement.
We take a different approach.
Because we design, manufacture and code our systems ourselves in the UK, we can adapt the hardware and software around the requirement rather than asking the operator to adapt their mission around a standard product.
That could mean custom timers, GPS-based triggers, multi-stage release sequences or other mission-specific logic.
We build the tool the mission needs — not the other way around.
Built for Reliability
Every system follows our in-house development process, from CAD design and component manufacture through to assembly and duty-cycle testing before deployment.
This gives us control over quality and consistency across every unit, while allowing us to rapidly develop and manufacture custom variants where required.
FAQ
How is the DJI Dropper triggered? The system is triggered using the drone’s on-board under-light rather than a separate transmitter channel, so there is no additional in-flight control for the pilot to manage.
How many items can it carry? One or two items as standard. Other configurations can be developed where required.
Can the triggering logic be customised? Yes. Because we develop the firmware in-house, trigger conditions, release sequencing, timers, GPS-based logic and other behaviours can be customised to suit the requirement.
What’s the difference between the DJI and FPV dropper systems? The DJI system is designed specifically for DJI platforms and uses the aircraft’s on-board under-light as its trigger. The FPV system is designed for FPV platforms and uses an AUX switch on the pilot’s transmitter, allowing more direct control over custom release sequences.
Is the DJI Dropper suitable for training? Yes. The system is suitable for both training and operational applications, with an optional physical safety switch providing an additional layer of control during training and ground handling.
Firefly UAV designs, manufactures and codes its payload release systems entirely in-house in the UK, alongside our range of FPV drones and specialist UAV equipment.