US Army picks Skydio for unit-level ISR
Programme aims to equip US soldiers with a rapidly deployable small UAS to for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
UAV manufacturer Skydio is continuing its involvement in the Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for the US Army, following what it described on 9 February as ‘extensive testing and evaluation’ of its Skydio X2D system.
Skydio will now complete remaining integration and documentation requirements within the Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) prototype phase of the SRR programme.
SRR aims to equip US soldiers with a rapidly deployable small UAS to conduct tactical ISR operations.
Parrot and Altavian were among the five other participants in evaluation tests against US Army performance specifications. They were originally chosen in April 2019 by the US Army and the Defence Innovation Unit to work on SRR prototypes for military use.
While the decision by the US Army ‘represents a strong step forward’, Skydio noted, it does not constitute full completion of the OTA project; nor does it guarantee a follow-on production award.
Skydio X2D can fly for up to 35min on battery charge. It pairs Skydio Autonomy AI-driven flight software with a foldable, highly portable airframe that leverages hyper-strength composites to withstand the most demanding environments.
The payload includes a dual 12MP colour optical and 320x256 FLIR thermal sensor. Skydio 2XD is also equipped with GPS-based night flight and strobe lighting.
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Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) (Tranche 2) / Rucksack Portable UAS (RPUAS) [USA]
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