Skydio has made significant strides in fulfilling its contract with the US Army, delivering the first order of its X10D small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This initiative is part of the Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 program, which aims to modernize the military’s surveillance capabilities by retiring older RQ-28A rotary-wing drones by 2026.
The X10D systems are set to enhance operational effectiveness and situational awareness for warfighters in challenging environments by performing crucial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. Skydio conducted initial prototype tests for the X10D as a replacement for the RQ-28A in 2023, leading to the Army’s decision to proceed with the final stage of the program a year later.
Located in California, Skydio manufactures its drone systems at its Hayward facility and has provided its technology to the US military and allied forces across 25 nations. Last month, the company celebrated the production of its 55,000th drone, showcasing its commitment to increasing production efficiency; the assembly time for the X10D is now just nine minutes.
Skydio CEO and Co-Founder Adam Bry emphasized the urgency of the Army’s request, noting, “When the Army contracted Skydio to fill this urgent need, we shipped systems within 5 days, ensuring soldiers had this critical equipment before their deployment.” He further explained that the investment in production capacity allows the company to deliver “war-winning capabilities” swiftly, potentially deterring adversaries from engaging with the US military.
The X10D is designed to meet the stringent standards set by the US Department of Defense for unmanned aerial systems. It features an advanced sensor package, including a 48 to 64 megapixel camera and a Teledyne FLIR thermal sensor, which significantly enhances airborne observations and decision-making processes on the battlefield.
Equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and advanced autonomy technology, the X10D can navigate complex terrains and perform missions in environments where electronic warfare threats are present, all while operating without conventional navigation methods. The platform’s versatility is further enhanced by its capability to support third-party attachments and controllers and its all-weather protection rating, ensuring reliable functionality in diverse operational conditions. Additionally, the drone can be prepared for flight in under 40 seconds and has a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour), underscoring its readiness for rapid deployment in critical situations.
