Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team Adopts Skydio X10

In a recent development aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities during crisis situations, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has announced the adoption of the Skydio X10 as its primary operational drone. According to a Verizon press release, this move marks a significant upgrade to the team’s fleet, introducing advanced technology to aid in a variety of operations, including search and rescue missions, thermal mapping, and providing overall situational awareness during emergencies.

Chris Sanders, a senior manager for the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, highlighted the AI capabilities of the X10, noting its ability to perform full or partial autonomous flight. Sanders emphasized the operational efficiency and flexibility the drone offers, stating, “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 Skydio X10 stands out for its rapid deployment, capable of powering up in under 40 seconds, and its notable flight speed of up to 45 miles per hour with a 40-minute flight duration. Its payload features a suite of cameras for various operational needs, including telephoto, narrow, and radiometric thermal cameras suitable for low light environments. A distinctive feature of the X10 is its NightSense technology, which enables autonomous flight and obstacle avoidance in zero light conditions, ensuring uninterrupted crisis response capabilities around the clock.

Skydio’s Chief Revenue Officer, Callan Carpenter, expressed pride in supporting Verizon Frontline’s mission, acknowledging the significance of integrating the X10 into their operations. “We designed the X10 to be the most advanced autonomous drone ever and it’s incredible – even humbling – to see it in the hands of the Verizon Frontline team and being used to help first responders when it matters most,” Carpenter said.

Cory Davis, vice president of Verizon Frontline, underscored the importance of equipping their teams with state-of-the-art technology to support first responders effectively. “This addition to our drone fleet will only enhance the overall best-in-class capabilities of our Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, and help ensure our team can continue to deliver the advanced network, capabilities and support that 37,000 public safety agencies across the nation trust Verizon Frontline to provide,” Davis remarked.

The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team is committed to providing emergency assistance to government agencies and emergency responders in times of crisis, offering a range of solutions including portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, and charging stations to ensure effective communication and network performance during emergencies. This initiative is part of Verizon Frontline’s broader effort to deliver advanced network and technology solutions tailored for the unique needs of first responders, built on three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies.

Read more:

• Verizon Frontline’s THOR: a Superhero with a Drone for Disaster Response
• On the Frontline with Verizon’s Crisis Response Team: Drones, Phones, and Communications Wherever and Whenever They’re Needed
• Skydio Advances Autonomous Drone Capabilities in the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Program
• Skydio X10’s Custom Thermal Payload: 48% Less Weight, More Resolution