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Explore our search and rescue drone selection, featuring industry leaders like the DJI Matrice 4 series, the DJI Matrice 350, and the Teledyne FLIR SIRAS – complete with support for your organization. Learn more about the Zenmuse H20T and other payloads for your missions to save lives.

  • Enhanced Visibility and Reach

    Drones have revolutionized search and rescue (SAR) operations by enabling rapid coverage of extensive areas, significantly minimizing the time and manpower required to find missing persons. The DJI Matrice 350 RTK excels in this capacity, featuring a night vision FPV camera and the remarkable DJI O3 Enterprise Transmission technology, which extends operational reach up to 20 km, thereby enhancing the efficiency of nighttime searches. Additionally, the introduction of the Autel EVO Max 4N enriches the SAR drone lineup. It is equipped with advanced sensors and capabilities designed to optimize search efforts in various conditions, further bolstering the effectiveness of SAR missions by ensuring that no stone is left unturned, day or night.

  • Thermal Imaging Capabilities

    In search and rescue (SAR) operations, the key to success often lies in detecting the invisible. The DJI Mavic 3 Thermal, Matrice 30 Thermal, and Autel EVO Max 4T stand out in their ability to uncover individuals through their body heat in difficult terrains and poor visibility conditions. Both the Mavic 3 Thermal and Matrice 30 Thermal from DJI bring advanced thermal imaging technology to the forefront, enabling precise location tracking with their integrated thermal sensors. Similarly, the Autel EVO Max 4T impresses with its dual thermal and visible cameras, delivering sharp 640x512 thermal images and stunning 8K video. These drones are vital assets in emergency response, each offering unique capabilities to ensure no detail goes unnoticed during critical missions.

  • Durability and Resilience

    In emergency scenarios, the conditions aren't always optimal. Drones need to be sturdy and reliable. You see this with units like the Matrice 350 Public Safety Drone. Specifically crafted for police operations, the drone is IP45 rated, offering water and dust protection. It also works seamlessly in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F, making it a robust companion for all weather conditions.

  • Rapid Deployment

    Time is often of the essence. The Teledyne FLIR SIRAS is ready for action in less than 60 seconds. With its dual thermal & visible cameras, it provides a comprehensive overview of the scene. Additionally, its 128x zoom ensures even the minutest detail isn't overlooked.

  • Extended Flight Times

    Longer search missions require drones with extended flight capabilities. The DJI M350 has a maximum flight time of 55 minutes. Additional aspects like hot-swappable batteries, ensuring minimal downtime during extended operations.

  • Future-ready and Customizable

    SAR missions evolve, and so should the technology assisting them. Drones like the Teledyne FLIR SIRAS are future-proofed with quick-connect, swappable gimbals, making them versatile for various needs.

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Considering a Drone for SAR? Remember to check for features like thermal imaging, long flight times, extended transmission range, and adaptability. And with offerings like the DJI Matrice 350 RTK Drone Combo with Care Plus and the DSLRPros Autel EVO II Dual Urban Scout Package in our lineup, you're sure to find a solution tailored for your search and rescue needs.

Real Life Applications for Search and Rescue Drones

Drones equipped with thermal imaging technology offer a rapid and cost-efficient method to survey extensive areas, outpacing the capabilities of ground crews and negating the need for the more expensive, traditionally manned aircraft. Our expertise lies in providing budget-friendly solutions for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, leveraging advanced drones that can be ready for deployment within minutes. With a deep-rooted experience spanning over five years, our team of thermal UAV specialists collaborates closely with SAR professionals to develop and refine these critical solutions.

Drones, from their elevated positions, deliver essential information vital for mission success and can be rapidly deployed to any location. Incorporating an infrared (thermal) camera along with a high-powered zoom camera, like the Zenmuse H20N, enhances the drone's ability to swiftly identify individuals in distress and then closely examine their condition. Additionally, integrating advanced drones such as the Autel EVO Max 4N, known for its superior imaging capabilities and robustness, further elevates the efficiency and effectiveness of SAR operations, ensuring that rescue missions have access to the most advanced technology available without directly comparing to FLIR thermal solutions.

The DJI Matrice 4 Series offers SAR teams real-time visibility, long-range transmission, and multi-payload flexibility—including thermal and zoom—making it ideal for rugged, low-light missions. When persistent coverage is needed, the DJI Dock 3 provides fully autonomous deployment, charging, and 24/7 remote control via FlightHub 2—perfect for operations in hard-to-reach zones.

For close-quarters recon and post-disaster documentation, the DJI Matrice 4D delivers 8K full-frame imaging with precise control and dual aerial/ground operation—critical when detail and adaptability can’t be compromised.

Search and rescue drones continue to transform emergency response with speed, clarity, and autonomy. With advanced platforms like the Matrice 4, Dock 3, and Matrice 4D, teams gain the tools they need to search smarter, respond faster, and save more lives.

Learn About The Products and Technology

Search and rescue teams benefit a lot from the applications of thermal imaging in drones. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras detect infrared, or thermal (heat) radiation, emitted from a heat source, and then put together a video image with the assembled data. The heat source could be something like an engine, a fire, or a warm body. In SAR missions, this means that as long as there is a living body emitting heat, the infrared camera will pick up the image, night or day, allowing operators to spot the person in distress. This also means that infrared cameras would be less useful in picking one person out of a crowd, in which case a zoom camera would be the tool of choice.

Successful drone rescue missions may not always run smoothly as the surrounding environment itself could pose challenges. In cases, for instance, of missing hikers, where large areas of territory need to be covered in the search and rescue operation, animal bodies emitting heat could be a potential confounding factor. However, most infrared cameras produce a clear enough image, usually aided by digital image processing, to give a fairly accurate idea of the shape of the body in view. A 4K camera and an infrared camera would commonly both be installed on a SAR drone, to allow the operators to select the most useful tool in a given situation.

Every moment counts in search and rescue missions. Find the perfect drone to optimize your operations, and for any queries, reach out to us! Call (877) 299-1075/(213) 262-9436or drop us a line on sales@DSLRPros.com.

DSLRPros SAR Drone Solutions Built for Real-World Rescue

DJI Matrice 4

Search and rescue teams rely on speed, clarity, and precision. The DJI Matrice 4 Series brings that—and more. Engineered for high-stakes aerial support, it offers advanced sensors, smart flight features, and rugged reliability built for SAR missions.

Real-Time Visibility in Critical Moments

The DJI Matrice 4 delivers stable, high-definition video through O3 Enterprise Transmission, giving SAR teams immediate situational awareness across large, rugged areas—urban zones, dense forests, and remote cliffsides where ground visibility is limited or nonexistent.

Live Mission Recording enables post-mission review, while AI Spot-Check automates repeatable flight paths for grid searches and perimeter sweeps. With up to 20 km of stable signal range, the Matrice 4 keeps responders connected—no guesswork, just real-time intel when it counts.

Built to Withstand Harsh Rescue Conditions

Search and rescue doesn’t pause for bad weather—and neither does the Matrice 4. Built to operate in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C, it features an IP-rated airframe that resists water, dust, and debris. Dual hot-swappable batteries extend mission time, while obstacle sensing in all directions ensures safe flight through complex environments. Whether flying through wildfire smoke or above collapsed structures, the Matrice 4 stays mission-ready.

Thermal + Zoom Payloads for Day or Night Missions

Visibility shifts fast. The Matrice 4 adapts with support for up to three payloads per flight—no need to land, swap, or reset mid-mission. Choose between the following models:

DJI Matrice 4T Worry-Free Plus Combo

  • H30T camera with 640×512 thermal, 4K zoom, and laser rangefinder
  • Ideal for missing person searches, night operations, and SAR in dense terrain

DJI Matrice 4E Worry-Free Plus Combo

  • H30 camera with wide-angle, zoom, and laser ranging
  • Strong for daylight missions, post-disaster documentation, and large-area scans

Both models work seamlessly with DJI Pilot 2 for full control and precise tracking.

Automation That Lightens the Load

The Matrice 4’s automation features streamline every mission. Waypoint 3.0 ensures consistent, GPS-locked search patterns, while Terrain Follow maintains a steady altitude—even across uneven ground.

AI Route Planning adapts flight paths in real time to avoid obstacles, and RTK positioning delivers centimeter-level accuracy for mapping or evidence collection. The result: less pilot fatigue, more reliable data, and fewer errors in high-pressure situations.

 The DJI Matrice 4 for search and rescue drones is a no-compromise platform for life-saving missions. Thermal imaging, zoom optics, and smart automation—ready when time isn’t on your side.

DJI Dock 3

When seconds count, manual drone prep isn’t fast enough. The DJI Dock 3 brings full automation to search and rescue (SAR) operations, delivering persistent aerial coverage, real-time intelligence, and round-the-clock readiness—without needing a pilot on site.

Fast, Hands-Free Deployment in Crisis Situations 

SAR missions don’t wait, and DJI Dock 3 doesn’t ask you to.

Once deployed, Dock 3 handles the heavy lifting: autonomous takeoff, precision landing, smart battery charging, and seamless data upload. Linked to DJI FlightHub 2, the system gives remote operators full visibility and control—live streaming video, managing fleets, or launching new missions from command posts miles away. Its 32-minute recharge cycle minimizes downtime between sorties.

For high-pressure emergencies, Dock 3 ensures your drone’s already airborne—so your team doesn’t have to be.

Designed for the Harshest Environments

 Disasters rarely happen in ideal weather. DJI Dock 3 is built for that reality.

An IP55 rating protects the enclosure against water, dust, and debris. Dock 3 operates in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 45°C. Its active climate control maintains optimal conditions for internal systems and drone batteries, preserving performance in the middle of a storm or heatwave.

This is more than field equipment—it’s a permanent, rugged SAR solution.

Compact Footprint, Full Capability 

At 75% smaller than its predecessor, DJI Dock 3 is highly portable—without compromise.

It fits easily on rooftops, mobile units, or temporary SAR bases. With built-in antennas, weather sensors, and backup power, it’s designed for standalone deployment in isolated areas or forward operating zones.

You can move it fast. And once in place, it’s always mission-ready.

Dock 3 Search and Rescue Bundles: Built for the Job

DSLRPros now offers Dock 3 bundled with specialized Matrice platforms to meet search and rescue demands.

  • DJI Dock 3 + Matrice 4TD with Care Enterprise Plus
    Paired with the Matrice 4TD, this bundle combines wide, zoom, and thermal imaging with a laser rangefinder—essential for locating heat signatures, pinpointing distances, and maintaining visibility in smoke or low-light terrain. Supports real-time transmission via FlightHub 2 and includes DJI Care Enterprise Plus for added protection.
  • DJI Dock 3 + Matrice 4D with Care Enterprise Plus
    For missions requiring advanced mapping or post-disaster assessment, the Dock 3 + Matrice 4D bundle delivers 20MP imaging with a mechanical shutter and 45-minute endurance. Ideal for high-precision documentation in collapsed structures, wide-area searches, or grid mapping.

Search Smarter. Respond Faster. Deploy Safer.

 DJI Dock 3 for search and rescue drones changes the game. It turns every drone mission into a remote-controlled, always-ready response—automating workflows and accelerating outcomes when time is tight and visibility is limited.

DJI Matrice 4D

Search and rescue teams need more than just flight time. They need clarity, control, and reliability under pressure. The DJI Matrice 4D delivers just that. Originally designed for high-end cinema, this drone now supports SAR professionals with next-level imaging and flexible operation in the field.

Advanced Imaging for Complex Rescue Scenes

In SAR, details matter. The DJI Matrice 4D features the Zenmuse X9 full-frame camera, capable of up to 8K resolution. That means high-definition visual data even in low-light or post-disaster conditions. Color accuracy, dynamic range, and built-in ND filters ensure image clarity from first flight.

  • Full-frame 8K imaging for extreme detail
  • Interchangeable lens options for mission-specific visuals
  • ND filters for better control in changing light conditions

Whether scanning debris for survivors or documenting a collapsed structure, this platform captures what manual searches can miss.

Air and Ground Deployment in One System

The Matrice 4D isn’t just a drone. It’s a dual-mode solution with a 4-axis gimbal that supports both aerial and ground-based operation. Fly it for overhead mapping. Switch to handheld for building interiors or tight terrain.

  • Ronin compatibility for handheld control
  • Built-in LiDAR and FPV camera for precise navigation
  • Seamless transition between flight and ground modes

This kind of flexibility reduces equipment loadouts and shortens deployment time during active rescue operations.

Reliable Data, Low-Latency Monitoring

Live visual feedback is critical in time-sensitive rescues. With DJI O3 Pro transmission, the Matrice 4D streams 1080p/60fps feeds with minimal latency up to 6 km. The RC Plus controller features a built-in 7-inch screen for clear, real-time viewing in the field.

  • 1080p real-time video up to 6 km
  • Built-in touchscreen controller
  • Smart focus and tracking modes for moving targets

Command units and ground teams get the intel they need to make decisions fast—with no guesswork.

Compatible with DJI Dock 3 for Remote, Automated Launch

Pair the Matrice 4D with DJI Dock 3 for fully automated deployment. Launch, land, recharge, and upload data remotely. Especially useful for long-term search ops or disaster monitoring, the Dock 3 extends the platform’s autonomy and reach.

The DJI Matrice 4D for search and rescue drones blends cinematic-grade visuals with tactical adaptability. Ground or air, day or night—this UAV delivers accurate, stable data where it matters most. For SAR teams needing a reliable visual intelligence tool, Matrice 4D doesn’t just perform. It leads.

The DSLRPros Advantage

  • UAV THERMAL EXPERTS

    We are industry leaders in thermal imaging drones. As one of the pioneers in thermal drone technology, our team of experts will help you build a custom solution that meets both your budget and needs.

  • MISSION SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS

    We specialize in the development and delivery of cost-effective mission-specific enterprise solutions. All our kits are specially designed, assembled, and individually tested for quality assurance in the United States.

  • AFTER PURCHASE SUPPORT

    Our customer service doesn't just end with your purchase; we go the extra mile to make sure our customers have the guidance they need. As our customer, you will know us by name and can count on us for support whenever you need it.