Skydio 2+ drone launched with new KeyFrame option

Today, the US-based drone maker Skydio introduces a new version of their two-year-old drone, the Skydio 2+ with improved range, increased flight time, a new KeyFrame option, and Skydio Care.

Skydio 2+ drone launched with new KeyFrame option

The Skydio 2+ is easily distinguishable from the original Skydio 2 drone because of the two foldable antennas that are positioned on the top of the front arms.

While the Skydio 2+ offers a number of improvements over the old drone, it does use the same autonomy system and camera with the Sony IMX577 1/2.3”, 12.3MP CMOS sensor we know from the Skydio 2.

Skydio 2+ offers an increased range

The addition of these antennas helps to increase the range of the Skydio 2+ to around 4 miles. Perhaps more important than increasing the range of the drone, is the fact that the new hardware helps to provide a better quality signal while flying the drone. The Skydio 2+ Beacon also sees an extended range of almost 2 miles.

Improved flight time with the Skydio 2+

The Skydio 2+ also features a new battery with a 20% increase in capacity which results in an improved flight time of 27 minutes. The new batteries are the same design as the old ones and can be used with the old Skydio 2 drone.

New KeyFrame option for cinematic footage

To make it easier for drone pilots to capture smooth cinematic footage, Skydio introduces KeyFrame.

Together with Skydio Autonomy, KeyFrame enables you to create a 3D flight path where the drone will fly smoothly from waypoint to waypoint.

The KeyFrame can be set by simply flying the drone to the desired position and tapping on the screen. You repeat this process until your flight path is set. Once the KeyFrames are set the drone can fly forward or backward at whatever speed the operator chooses.

The “Free Camera” mode allows you to manually control the camera as Skydio flies the flight path.

“One of the main things that sets professional productions apart is the motion of the camera. With the help of cranes, jibs, and large production crews, Hollywood productions do really unique, interesting things. In the hands of an expert pilot, drone footage can be very cinematic.” said Skydio CEO, Adam Bry. “KeyFrame makes this capability accessible to a new wave of creators. Hollywood quality cinematography, available anywhere, anytime.

The new KeyFrame option is available on both the old and the new drone.

Skydio Care

Skydio also introduces Skydio Care an optional protection plan that can be purchased to supplement the drone’s Limited Warranty.

Skydio Care allows customers to fly their Skydio 2+ drones with greater peace of mind, providing comprehensive coverage and rapid replacement for accidental damages from collisions, water damage, and unrecoverable landings, enabling a Skydio 2+ to be fully replaced for as little as $150 with no questions asked.

Skydio care costs $149 for one year or $249 for two years.

Watch the new drone in action

The new drone and its features are explained in detail in the following videos from Billy Kyle and DC Rainmaker.

The Skydio 2+ comes in four different versions:

• Starter kit for $1,099 – Designed to be your personal film crew, Skydio 2+ comes with unmatched autonomous subject tracking and 360 obstacle avoidance, all while capturing stunning 4K60 HDR content. Launch, fly, land, and export all with the Skydio app and get up to 27 minutes of flight time with the improved Skydio 2+ Battery. Add an accessory upgrade and connect a Skydio 2+ Beacon to fly hands-free, extending your range up to 3km or add a Controller to fly with precision for up to 6km.

• Sports kit $1,549 – Get outside and capture your heart-stopping adventures, with a kit designed for the active sports enthusiast. The Sports Kit combines a Skydio 2+ Starter Kit with the Sports Upgrade including the Skydio 2+ Beacon allowing you to extend your range up to 3km, two extra batteries, the dual charger and a SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD. Upgrade today to be one tap away from smooth, cinematic action. The Sports Kit offers an additional $207 savings vs. purchasing a la carte accessories.

• Cinema kit $1,949 – Be ready for every moment with the Skydio 2+ Starter kit bundled with a Cinema Upgrade. Featuring the Skydio 2+ Beacon extending your range up to 3km, a Controller with up to 6km range, two extra batteries, the Dual Charger, Polar Pro ND Filters, a SanDisk 128GB Extreme microSD and more all packed into a rugged hard-shell case – just what you need to make sure your gear is safe, organized, and ready when the moment comes for that perfect shot. The Cinema kit offers an additional $313 savings vs. purchasing a la carte accessories.

• Pro kit $2,169 – Get the job done right with the Skydio 2+ Starter Kit bundled with a Pro Upgrade. This robust kit includes all of the accessories you need in one professional protective case in addition to added protection. Fly Fearless with a 2 year subscription of Skydio Care. The Skydio Care two year plan includes up to 3 vehicle replacements at a reduced cost, including one chance to use lost drone coverage. Learn more about Skydio Care. The Pro Kit offers an additional $450 savings vs. purchasing a la carte accessories. Includes a 2 year subscription of Skydio Care.

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