Skydio begins delivery of X10D drone with dynamic channel switching

US drone maker Skydio says it has begun delivery of the first X10Ds, the company’s new flagship drone for defense and government applications. The X10D is essentially an offline variant of Skydio’s X10 platform with advanced AI. It comes with a new feature called dynamic channel switching that helps operators monitor signal interference and move to a clearer channel to improve wireless transmission signal quality during flight.

Skydio’s new drone is packed with organic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, allowing public safety customers across the US and allied nations to gain situational awareness by leveraging the best of human-machine teaming.

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A key feature is the NightSense sensor suite that powers AI autonomy at night. Skydio X10D uses both visible and infrared illumination to avoid obstacles and understand its environment. This makes the drone capable of 24×7 operations, ensuring autonomous obstacle avoidance even in zero-light environments.

Dynamic channel switching is equally noteworthy because it enables the X10D to provide adaptable communications between the drone and its remote controller even in crowded airspace or under electronic warfare conditions. Skydio says it will soon make dynamic channel switching available to customers already using the X10.

“The arrival of X10D to customers is truly a milestone moment for Skydio and the allied defense and government community,” says Mark Valentine, president of global government at Skydio. “There is no doubt that the advantage in future conflict favors a decentralized application of small, many, and agile systems over fewer, larger exquisite systems. The X10D, with dynamic channel switching and onboard AI and autonomy, is a force multiplier for warfighters that helps them see the unseen, increasing awareness, precision, and safety.”

Skydio stopped manufacturing recreational and hobby drones last year. However, it is still considered to be the largest US-based drone manufacturer, providing solutions to over 1,900 corporations and government agencies. The company recently expanded its manufacturing capacity by a factor of 10 to meet growing demand across both commercial and government sectors.

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