Verizon announced it has started incorporating the Skydio X10 as its primary operational drone. The X10, which will replace a number of the Verizon’s Frontline Crisis Response Team’s current drones, is an advanced sUAS, that can be used for a multitude of operations, including search and rescue missions, thermal mapping and overall situational awareness during a crisis. According to Verizon, it is capable of powering up in less than 40 seconds. The drone can reach a max flight speed of 45 miles per hour and has 40-minute flight time.
“The X10 is an AI-enabled drone capable of providing our team with enhanced capabilities, including full or partial autonomous flight,” said Chris Sanders, a senior manager for the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team. “It will allow us to stream video to the agencies we fly for by sharing a link, which means that anyone in the organization will be able to see the stream, and it makes it easier for us because there’s less equipment needed to operate the drone. This aircraft modernizes our fleet and helps take us to the next level of capabilities while giving us flexibility for the future.”
The main payload is a sensor package consisting of multiple cameras, including telephoto, narrow, and radiometric thermal cameras for use in low light environments. Additionally, Verizon says the Skydio X10 is the only drone on the market with NightSense, enabling autonomous flight, including obstacle avoidance, in zero light conditions. This is designed to help ensure that crisis response can continue uninterrupted 24 hours a day.
Reader Interactions