May 8, 2025

Skydio X10D ATO software version	39.204
Skydio X10D ATO Controller version	39.137

This update provides new features and improvements to navigation, communication, integrations, and the tools used for tactical ISR.

[note]This update will require you to re-pair the controller and vehicle. The update file may disappear from the USB-C drive after the update completes. Please contact your Program Manager or Account Executive if you are interested in the Advanced or Special Access Features. This release supports Skydio X10D Connect MH and Skydio Connect SL.[/note]

NAVIGATION 

Navigation Indicators

A more informative VIO/GPS Indicator helps you quickly assess whether the drone is relying on GPS or VIO:

• Gray background highlights the primary navigation mode
• White status bars indicate VIO/GPS stability
• One white bar indicates a degraded state that may be close to failure
• Zero white bars indicate that the navigation source has failed
• GPS Off will display if GPS has been toggled off
• The yellow compass indicates GPS is awaiting heading
• If the GPS heading has not been set, you will receive a notification prompting you to move the drone
• laterally to establish heading.
• If GPS and VIO navigation modes are unavailable, the drone will enter Attitude Mode

Launch in Smaller Spaces with Lower Clearance Requirements

Skydio X10D can launch in more confined environments, both indoors and outdoors, thanks to a reduced minimum overhead clearance requirement.

• Now only 6 ft 7 in (~2 m) is needed to launch
• Previously required 10 ft (3 m) of overhead space
• Enables launching from complex environments, such as dense forests, tight spaces, or covered areas
  

[note]Skydio X10 is capable of launching with as little as ~6'7" of vertical clearance. However, this is intended for constrained environments and should not replace the standard 10 ft (3 m) recommended clearance in all directions. Operating in tighter spaces may increase the risk of collision, serious bodily injury, or damage during launch.[/note]

Low Launch

Low Launch limits the launch height to 3 ft (1 m), ensuring the pilot has quicker flight control and allowing tactical users to maintain a lower profile.

• Select Global settings > Launch menu > Low Launch Toggle On/Off
• Supported with Skydio NightSense
• The setting persists across flights and power cycles
• If Obstacle Avoidance is disabled, Low Launch will not be available
• If Attitude Mode is enabled, Low Launch will not be available
  

Visual Navigation at Higher Altitudes

Skydio X10D now maintains stable Visual Navigation (VIO) at altitudes up to 984 ft (300 m) — a significant increase from the previous 164 ft (50 m) limit. This enhances flexibility in GPS-denied environments, such as urban canyons or high-altitude tactical operations. If GPS is lost, Skydio X10D maintains continuous Visual Navigation—even at high altitudes.

• Increased situational awareness with high-altitude perspectives in challenging GPS environments
• Operate reliably in cityscapes where GPS signals may be unreliable
• Maintain mission continuity even if GPS is lost

[note]High-altitude VIO is optimized for daylight. When flying at night, Visual Navigation will work best in environments with street or building lights that the drone can reference for positioning. VIO will degrade as you fly at higher altitudes, as there are fewer lights. Monitor VIO and GPS health in the telemetry bar and adjust flights based on your environment. Always follow the aviation regulations in your country and jurisdiction.[/note]

Disable GPS Navigation

Disabling GPS navigation allows for flight in GPS-denied environments or when GPS navigation is degraded.

• Enable preflight or during flight in the Sensing menu
• GPS can be toggled on in flight without requiring a reboot or re-initialization
• When GPS is toggled off, X10D switches to VIO or ATTI navigation
• Monitor real-time telemetry provided by the system to the MAVLink client
• Fly missions using MAVLink-defined waypoints without relying on GPS coordinates
• Default GPS On and the setting does not persist across flights and power cycles

[note]Features that use a map position, such as crosshair coordinates, are unavailable unless an Anchor Point is set.[/note]

Anchor Point for Visual Navigation

Navigate in GPS-denied environments by setting a reference position on a map, allowing the drone to fly, execute waypoints, and return home.

1. Toggle off GPS Navigation

2. Select the Map settings and Set Anchor Point

3. Drag the map to place the anchor point at the estimated position of the drone

4. Long press on a visible feature on the map (ensure the feature matches in the camera view) to set heading point

5. Rotate the drone until the heading point appears in the camera view

6. Slide the vertical marker left or right and align it precisely with the feature

7. Adjust or relocalize the anchor point mid-mission if needed

Known Issues:

After adjusting the heading alignment in the camera view, the heading alignment marker becomes unresponsive and can no longer be dragged. Cancel and return to the previous step, then re-enter the heading step. Complete all X10D movements and camera adjustments before setting the heading marker.

Attitude Mode Flight

Launch, fly, and land in Attitude Mode when GPS and VIO are unavailable, with the ability to transition between navigation modes as needed. Launch and fly in Attitude Mode when GPS is disabled and there is insufficient light for VIO.

1. Select Global settings > Sensing menu > toggle Attitude Mode on
2. Throttle down for 1 second to launch in Attitude Mode
3. Hold down L2 button for temporary Attitude Mode

[note]Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL.[/note]

Heading Return

Your X10D returns using a compass to assign a heading by autonomously flying in an operator-defined direction when navigation and communication are lost.

1. Select the Return menu > Lost Connections > Attitude Mode > Return preflight
2. Set the return altitude AGL, taking the terrain into consideration
3. Calibrate the magnetometer

A compass will display the return heading on the fly screen. You can manually adjust the compass to set return heading.

[note]Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL.[/note]

Battery Level Warnings

Return Battery Capacity Reached	Enough battery to return and land based on current conditions such as weather or attachment usage. If you delay your return, you may not have sufficient battery power to reach the return point. If the drone is within 32 ft (10 m) of the return location, it will return without displaying this notification. If you select Ask to Return (default), you will be prompted to choose Return or Keep Flying. If you select Auto Return on Low Battery, the drone will begin returning automatically when this notification appears; if you select OK, it dismisses the notification but does not cancel the return.
Land Soon	Alert one minute before the drone will begin to land in place.
Land Immediately	Drone may power off mid-flight

[note]The Two-Minute battery countdown battery level indicator has been removed.[/note]

Additional Changes

• Height Ceiling Default changed from 400 ft to 984 ft
• Weak GPS ALT Limit increased from 66 ft to 164 ft
  
• Waypoint Altitude changed from 400 ft to 3280 ft
  height ceiling must be toggled off if any of the waypoints are planned to exceed the ceiling limit
• New Launch tab in the Flight Controls Menu

COMMUNICATIONS

Low Power Mode Warning

New warning that your X10D is in Low Power Mode. The X10D is shipped in 2.4 GHz ETSI compliant mode to prevent unauthorized power levels in certain regions. Operating in low power will significantly impact radio and range performance. To adjust the power level, select Global Settings >Information > Drone ID under Devices > Radio > 2.4 GHz Power Level to change the power mode.

[note]Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL.[/note]

Radio Flight Connection Indicator

Access the Radio settings menu from the Telemetry Bar to view the connection strength and channel. Select the settings icon to access the radio menu.

Microhard Throughput Improvements

The Microhard communications system has been upgraded with multiple improvements to increase data capacity and performance. Channel bandwidth had doubled from 4 MHz to 8 MHz.

• We increased the maximum amount of the channel we utilize to improve overall throughput.
• Dynamic bitrate allocation now prioritizes video streams based on the operator’s UI layout.
• These upgrades result in nearly 4x improved data capacity on the Microhard data link and better utilization.
• Operators will see clearer, more reliable video at longer ranges, fewer dropouts, and better performance in RF-congested environments.

[note]Operators can and should hide video feeds they are not using to improve the quality of the other feeds. Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL.[/note]

INTEGRATIONS

Control & Telemetry Support

Skydio X10D now implements the Robotics and Autonomous Systems - Air (RAS-A) MAVLink Control Link Interoperability Profile (IOP). RAS-A is a MAVLink dialect with extensions to accommodate autonomous systems and their capabilities. Related efforts, e.g., RAS-G, have no relationship to MAVLink. RAS-A also includes standardization for video, such as protocols, codecs, and metadata. X10D supports RAS-A protocol version 1.2.

[note]Visit Skydio Developer Tools for additional information. Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL.[/note]

KLV Streaming Telemetry

Stream KLV telemetry in RSTP to external operators such as ATAK.

• Support GEOINT workflows and integration with other sensor feeds for analytics
• Unlocks integrations into geospatial tools and visualization products (i.e. Palantir)
• Integration partners can more seamlessly integrate AI classifiers over lengthy FMV streams and georectify detections.
• Tipping and cueing to other assets
• Select the Sharing menu > RTSP > Enable KLV Telemetry

[note]Visit How to use ATAK on Skydio X10D for detailed instructions.[/note]

Android Intents API Support

The Android Intents API enables telemetry and location updates of Skydio drones with third-party Android apps on the Skydio X10D controller. By publishing telemetry and using the Android Intents API, the pilot can operate using TAK and receive real-time location and telemetry information related to the Skydio Drone update.

[note]Visit Skydio Developer Tools for additional information. Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL. [/note]

KLV Telemetry via Media SD Card

Key-Length-Value (KLV) Metadata is information about video embedded in the video stream. KLV metadata is time-synchronized to provide complete context for the video frame. When video is accompanied by metadata in this way, it is referred to as Full Motion Video (FMV). Enable KLV-compliant TS files to capture video recordings for seamless integration with compatible external video processing with third-party and AI tools.

• Fly the X10D and record video in EO
• Thermal recording is not supported in this release
• .TS files are stored directly on the drone’s media SD card and are not accessible in the Media Menu
• Remove the SD card from the drone and insert it into an external device to export
• Process the files using external software that supports MISB 0601 & STANAG 4609

Third-Party Attachment Support

Skydio X10D now supports third-party attachments for integrators, expanding integration capabilities and providing customization options:
Carry Mode: Safely attach non-powered payloads; the drone will automatically adjust flight behavior.
Power Mode: Plug in a USB-connected attachment, which the drone will recognize and power.

[note] Attachments that require Power Mode must have a registered USB Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID). No data is exchanged over USB-C — only power delivery is provided. You will not see any notifications for third-party attachments. Visit Skydio Developer Tools to request access to the Attachment ICD. Visit Skydio Developer Tools for additional information. Not supported on Skydio X10D Connect SL.[/note]

TOOLS

Precise Image Framing

Enable on-screen framing guides to improve image composition during inspections and video capture. Each tool has a high-contrast design that adjusts for day and night visibility – available in Photo and Video modes for both color and thermal cameras. When enabled, they display on-screen only, without appearing in captured media. Enable one, two, or all three overlays under Global Settings > Display > Gridlines:

• Centerpoint - Displays a crosshair in the center of the screen to align subjects
• Gridlines - Adds a rule of thirds overlay for balanced framing
• Diagonals - Displays two intersecting diagonal lines from opposite corners, aiding in angular alignment

Confirm Photo Capture using Shutter Sounds

A shutter sound plays each time a photo is captured, providing instant confirmation. Useful for visual inspections and detailed documentation tasks where confirming photo capture is critical

• Ensure key photos are documented during inspections, such as infrastructure surveys or asset monitoring
• Enabled by default
• Enable or disable in the Photo settings menu

[note]Sound only plays through the controller speakers, not through connected headsets.[/note]

Improved Image Folder Management

After using a Custom Folder, easily switch back to the default media folder, making file organization more flexible.

• After creating a Custom Folder via Photo Settings, you will see a new Revert to Media button
• Quickly return to the default system folder after saving photos to a custom folder
• Clearer notifications confirm when a folder is successfully created
  For example, you inspect a substation and create a Custom Folder to store mission-specific photos. After completing the job, select Revert to Media to ensure future photos save to the default folder.

Skydio FrameLock

Video stability improvements to foreground stability ensure that critical subjects remain steady in the frame even when the drone is hovering. Reduces instances of unintentional drift, resulting in the need for more manual adjustments.

• Maintain a clear view of the subject
• Confidently hover in place without losing focus on key details
• Dramatic improvements at a standoff inside 20 meters
• Reduces instances of unintentional drift that result in the need for manual adjustments

Export Flight Logs from the Vehicle

For faster flight log by customers, field service reps, and solutions engineers to retrieve full system logs from offline devices using a USB-C drive, improving troubleshooting and issue resolution.

1. Insert a USB-C memory drive into the rear port on the X10D vehicle instead of the controller
2. Ensure a USB-C memory drive is formatted to EXFAT
3. Navigate to Global Settings > Vehicle > Export Vehicle Logs to USB-C
4. The drone lights will breathe yellow to indicate an active log transfer
5. Vehicle Log Export message will display the percentage of export
6. When export is complete, the message Copying vehicle logs to USB complete will display
7. Remove the drive from the drone and insert it into a device to access the log files

Update Light Status

In future updates the lights will not turn green until the update is fully complete. However when updating to V.39.204 the status lights will turn green two times:

1. Midway through the update
2. When the update is complete
3. The lights may also flash blue

This update will require you to re-pair the controller and vehicle. The update file may disappear from the USB-C drive after the update completes.

The update status lights will display even if the Lights are toggled OFF

[note]Visit How to update your Skydio X10D for detailed instructions.[/note]

New Languages in Flight Deck

Navigating Skydio Flight Deck is more accessible with the addition of Spanish and Ukrainian as selectable language options. Menus, notifications, and system text will update instantly once a language is selected.
Change your preferred language by navigating to Global Settings > Information > Language

[note]While most menus, notifications, and system text are available in the selected language, some elements may still appear in English or have formatting inconsistencies. Updates to improve translation coverage will be addressed in future releases.[/note]

Screen Captures

Capture videos and screenshots of your Skydio Flight Deck screen on the X10D controller to improve your ability to obtain the media required to satisfy mission objectives. Capture, store, and export recordings and screenshots of the user interface during flight.

• Screen captures are not encrypted
• Stored and managed in the Media menu > Recording/Screenshot tab
• When enabled, video recording will be automatic 
• Screenshot: Press and hold the R2 button for 6 seconds. A message will display that the screenshot was saved.
• Screen captures can be exported to a USB-C drive from the controller
• Select the screenshot or recording to export
• Select Export > Done to move the file to an external USB-C drive
• Wait at least 30 seconds before ejecting the memory drive to ensure the media is exported

To enable, select Global Settings > Display menu > Enable Screen Recording: Toggle on/off. 

Improved Autonomy for 3D Scan and Map Capture

Skydio X10D will fly smoothly and automatically adjust speed during 3D Scans and Map Captures to improve imagery quality.

• A Remote Pilot conducting a large-scale map capture at high speed benefits from automatic adjustments, ensuring high-quality images without excessive motion blur.
• The drone moves more fluidly between image capture points, reducing the number of abrupt movements that could cause image misalignment.
• Even if parts of the drone appear in the frame of the live feed, they are not present in the final images.

Explore More

Explore related articles for additional information

Skydio X10D Manuals, Guides, and Resources

[note]If you need assistance, please reach out to: FedSupport@skydio.us[/note]

Skydio, Inc.  A0505