Skydio, a leading U.S. drone manufacturer, has announced the delivery of its latest model, the X10D, to defense and government customers in the U.S. and allied nations. Building on the success of the X2D, the X10D introduces dynamic channel switching, a new feature designed to enhance communication signal quality during missions by automatically moving to a clearer wireless channel in response to signal interference.
The X10D, an offline variant of the X10 platform, is tailored for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications, meeting the critical demands of defense and government agencies. It offers adaptable communications for operations in contested and congested airspaces, ensuring reliable command and control and real-time data feeds even in electronically challenging environments.
Introduced in late 2023, the X10 platform has quickly become a preferred choice across commercial and public safety markets, with the X10D specifically optimized for defense and government needs. It features Skydio's state-of-the-art sensor technology, advanced autonomous navigation, and a modular, open architecture essential for military operations.
Skydio's onboard AI and autonomy system, now enhanced with NightSense, enables the X10D to perform autonomous obstacle-avoidance in zero-light conditions, marking it as the first small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) capable of 24/7 operations. Additionally, the integration of a Teledyne FLIR Boson+ sensor delivers unparalleled thermal imaging quality for night operations.
Mark Valentine, President of Global Government at Skydio, emphasized the X10D's role as a force multiplier for warfighters, providing increased awareness, precision, and safety in the field. The drone's compliance with federal standards, including the Robotics and Autonomous Systems – Air (RAS-A) Interoperability Profile (IoP), and its support for third-party applications, further extend its operational flexibility and versatility.
Skydio's partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on the Artificial Intelligence for Small Unit Maneuver (AISUM) system demonstrates the X10D's capability to manage a heterogeneous fleet of drones with a single operator, highlighting its strategic value in modern warfare.
As the largest U.S. manufacturer of sUAS systems, Skydio serves over 1,900 corporations and government agencies, including all branches of the U.S. military and several allied countries. The company's recent expansion of its manufacturing capacity underscores its commitment to meeting the growing demand for its drone solutions. Skydio's secure-by-design product development approach and NDAA-compliant supply chain ensure the highest standards of security and reliability for its sUAS systems.
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