The Future of Drones Just Got More Open

Skydio, the trailblazing U.S.-based drone manufacturer, is shaking up the industry once again. This time, they’re opening the doors to limitless possibilities with the release of their Interface Control Document (ICD) for the X10D drone. This groundbreaking move allows third-party developers to create custom payloads, transforming the X10D into a versatile, mission-ready powerhouse. Whether it’s for defense, surveillance, or beyond, the X10D is now more adaptable than ever.

A Drone Built for the Toughest Missions

The Skydio X10D isn’t your average drone. Designed specifically for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications, it’s already a favorite among defense and government agencies. But Skydio isn’t stopping there. With the new Attachment ICD, users can now integrate bespoke payloads tailored to their exact operational needs.

The X10D comes equipped with four attachment bays, each delivering up to 50 watts of power, ensuring that even the most demanding payloads are fully supported. Skydio’s Attachment Detection Protocol ensures seamless integration, while future updates promise compatibility with industry standards like MAVLink and advanced networking capabilities.

Powering Up with Third-Party Innovations

Skydio has teamed up with industry giants to validate the potential of the X10D’s open platform. L3Harris Technologies and Elsight have already successfully integrated their cutting-edge payloads, showcasing the drone’s expanded capabilities.

  • L3Harris RF-9820S-ER: This low-SWaP Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a game-changer for operations in GPS-denied or jammed environments. After a swift two-day integration, Skydio and L3Harris completed a successful test flight, proving the X10D’s ability to handle C2 and video transmission over the resilient Wraith™ waveform.
  • Elsight Halo: This system ensures Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) connectivity by aggregating multiple cellular modems. Test flights demonstrated uninterrupted communication across cellular, radio, and satellite networks, making it ideal for military operations in remote or infrastructure-light areas.

A Platform for the Future

Skydio’s vision is clear: to create a drone platform that can be rapidly adapted to meet the evolving needs of military and defense applications. “We are committed to serving the needs of the U.S. military and our allies,” says Ryan Reading, Vice President of Engineering at Skydio. “With this Attachment ICD, organizations can now tailor the X10D to their specific mission requirements.”

This move isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about empowering innovation. By opening the platform to third-party developers, Skydio is fostering a new era of drone technology, where adaptability and efficiency are paramount.