Skydio X10 Drone Gets Major Upgrades: Enhanced Sensors, Safety Features, and Connectivity

Skydio has rolled out a comprehensive update to its X10 drone system, significantly boosting its capabilities for industrial and public safety applications. These new features, detailed in a release notes video and on the company’s website, represent a major leap forward in Drone Technology and functionality.

New V100 L Sensor Package Expands Imaging Capabilities

The Skydio X10 now boasts a third sensor option called the V100 L. This advanced package includes:

• A high-resolution 50 MP wide-angle camera
• An impressive 64 MP narrow camera
• An integrated flashlight for low-light operations

This sensor suite is tailored for a variety of professional applications, including:

• Detailed inspections
• Precise surveying and mapping
• 3D modeling and photogrammetry
• Capturing cinematic shots
• Imaging large structures from close range

The versatility of this new sensor package opens up new possibilities for industries ranging from construction to filmmaking.

Safety and Communication Enhancements Prioritize Responsible Operations

Skydio has implemented several features to improve safety and communication capabilities:

ADS-B Integration for Increased Airspace Awareness

The X10 now includes an onboard ADS-B sensor that feeds data to the Remote Flight Deck. This system:

• Provides visual and audible alerts for aircraft within 1.2 nautical miles and 1,000 ft elevation
• Displays information on aircraft up to 6 nautical miles away and 3,000 ft in altitude
• Enhances situational awareness for pilots, especially during BVLOS operations

Speaker Attachment for Ground Communication

A new speaker attachment allows pilots to:

• Broadcast pre-recorded messages
• Transmit live audio from the controller
• Reach distances up to 500 ft (150 m)

This feature is particularly useful for crisis intervention or assisting people on the ground during emergency response missions.

Emergency Lighting Patterns for Public Safety

Authorized users such as First Responders can now activate special lighting patterns on the drone:

• Flashing red and blue lights
• Flashing red and white lights

These patterns enhance visibility and signaling during public safety missions.

Multi-User Support and Revolutionary Connectivity Solutions

Multiple User Accounts on a Single Controller

The X10 system now supports multiple user profiles on one controller:

• Users can set up individual 6-digit PINs for security
• Quick account switching in both online and offline environments
• Shared settings, media, and support logs between accounts

Skydio Connect Fusion: A Game-Changing Connectivity Solution

Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the introduction of “Skydio Connect Fusion,” which combines:

• Skydio’s proprietary point-to-point radio system (Connect SL)
• 5G and LTE cellular networks (Connect 5G)

This innovative approach allows pilots to:

• Switch between direct and cellular connections mid-flight
• Optimize connectivity based on the current environment
• Enable true city-wide drone operations

The ability to seamlessly transition between connection types opens up new possibilities for long-range and complex urban missions.

Enhanced Mapping and Night Operations Capabilities

New features have been added to improve mapping and low-light performance:

Advanced Mapping Controls

• Custom flight direction alignment: Pilots can adjust the flight path to align with specific areas of interest (e.g., rows of solar panels)
• Perpendicular camera heading option: Keeps the camera fixed on an area of interest while the drone moves
• Improved control over flight paths and data capture

Night Sense Support

• The visual Night Sense attachment now works with map capture mode
• Provides obstacle avoidance and illumination for data capture in dark environments

DroneXL’s Take

These substantial upgrades to the Skydio X10 system reflect the rapid evolution of the Drone Industry, particularly in the realms of public safety, industrial inspection, and advanced data collection. The addition of ADS-B integration is especially noteworthy, as it aligns with recent FAA regulations and industry-wide efforts to improve drone safety and airspace awareness.

The multi-link connectivity solution, Skydio Connect Fusion, is a potential game-changer for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By allowing seamless switching between direct and cellular connections, it could significantly expand the feasible range and complexity of urban drone missions.

These advancements position the Skydio X10 as a versatile tool for a wide range of professional applications, from emergency response to infrastructure inspection. As drone technology continues to mature, we can expect to see even more integration of advanced sensors, AI-powered features, and robust connectivity solutions.

What’s your take on these Skydio X10 upgrades? Do you see them changing the game for professional drone operations? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!