Skydio Expands X10D Capabilities with Open Platform for Custom Attachments

New Interface Control Document Enables Defense and Government Partners to Enhance Drone Functionality

Skydio, a U.S.-based drone manufacturer has announced the release of its Interface Control Document (ICD) for X10D payload attachments. This new development builds on the design of the Skydio X10D, allowing third parties to create custom payloads that enhance the drone’s functionality for a wide range of mission requirements.

Expanding Capabilities for Defense and Government Applications

Designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications, the Skydio X10D has been in full-rate production since last year. The new Attachment ICD provides defense and government agencies the flexibility to integrate payloads that meet specific operational needs. Skydio’s existing attachment options include a Spotlight, Speaker, RTK/PPK, Parachute, and the NightSense module, which enables autonomous flight in zero-light conditions.

With the release of the Attachment ICD, users can now develop additional payloads such as:

• Payload delivery and dropper devices
• Radio and signal relay devices
• Electronic Warfare (EW) or Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) signal detection devices
• Chemical detection devices
• Diversionary devices

The X10D features four attachment bays, each capable of delivering up to 50 watts of power. Skydio’s Attachment Detection Protocol ensures that all connected devices are properly powered and managed within the drone’s system. Future updates will include multiple attachment profiles, integrating industry standards like MAVLink and networking devices for enhanced compatibility.

Successful Partner Integrations Demonstrate Advanced Functionality

Skydio has collaborated with leading defense technology companies to validate the effectiveness of the Attachment ICD. L3Harris Technologies Inc. and Elsight have successfully integrated their respective payloads into the X10D platform, showcasing the expanded capabilities of the drone.

L3Harris RF-9820S-ER: This low-SWaP Software Defined Radio (SDR) is compatible with the U.S. Department of Defense’s program-of-record radios and operates on the resilient Wraith™ waveform. Following a two-day integration process, Skydio and L3Harris successfully completed a test flight using the X10D with C2 and video transmission over the RF-9820S-ER.

“Bringing together Skydio’s X10D with L3Harris’ embeddable radio running the Wraith™ waveform, we have created a highly capable unmanned platform that can confidently operate in GPS-denied and jammed environments,” said Bob Daminski, Director of Unmanned Systems at L3Harris.

Elsight Halo: The Halo system provides Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) connectivity by aggregating multiple cellular modems. This ensures uninterrupted communication across cellular, radio, and satellite networks. Skydio and Elsight successfully conducted test flights using Halo for C2 and video transmission.

“Our battlefield-proven Halo for BVLOS connectivity enables military field operations to maintain communications in areas of minimal infrastructure, avoid interference and jamming, and control the system remotely from anywhere in the world,” said Yoav Amitai, CEO of Elsight. “We are excited to be a part of Skydio’s extended, modular, open platform of the X10D. We look forward to contributing our robust and innovative BVLOS capabilities to many U.S. defense applications and exercises.”

Commitment to U.S. Defense and Global Allies

By enabling third-party developers to create mission-specific payloads, the company aims to enhance adaptability and operational efficiency.

“We are committed to serving the needs of the U.S. military and our allies. With this Attachment ICD, these organizations can now adapt the Skydio X10D to the specific requirements of their mission,” said Ryan Reading, Vice President of Engineering at Skydio. “Our vision is to build a platform that can be rapidly adapted by developers and integrators to meet the needs of military users. This action builds on the modularity and openness that is the foundation of the Skydio X10D platform.”

For more information, visit Skydio.com or follow Skydio on LinkedIn.

Read more:

• Elsight’s Connectivity Powers Phoenix Air Unmanned’s 320-Mile BVLOS Pipeline Patrol for Shell
• Robotican and Elsight Forge Partnership to Enhance BVLOS Counter-UAS Operations
• Skydio X10D Added to U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared List