Skydio Dropper attachment for X10 prototype

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio X10
  3. Getting Started Skydio X10

The Skydio Dropper attachment for X10 is a prototype attachment designed only for usage with the Restube Automatic Inflatable Floating Buoy for specific life-saving use cases.

[note] Dropper is currently a prototype in use by the NYPD. [/note]

[note] Read the full Restube Automatic User Manual before use with the Dropper. [/note]

 

 

Safety

[warning]

  • Skydio Dropper is a product designed specifically to drop rescue buoys— incorrect or irresponsible usage may lead to serious bodily injury and/or death.
  • Skydio Dropper is designed only for use with the Restube Automatic Inflatable Floating Buoy. You are not allowed to put anything other than the Restube inside the Dropper.
  • Skydio Dropper should not be used in precipitation or inclement weather. The Restube Automatic is designed to deploy in water—use in precipitation may cause the Restube to deploy and could result in a crash.
  • Skydio Dropper cannot be used in conjunction with any other X10 attachments.
  • Read the full Restube Automatic User Manual before use with the Dropper attachment.

[/warning]

 

How to install your Dropper attachment

[note] The drone may be powered on or powered off while installing Dropper. [/note]

 

Step 1 - Align the Dropper attachment with the left-side attachment bay of your drone

Step 2 - Using the provided 2mm Hex Key, tighten the three captive screws to lock the attachment in place.

[note] The Dropper screws should be snug but not overtightened. [/note]

 

Step 3 - Where it says A4, gently lift the rubber gasket and rotate 180° down

[caution] Do NOT pull off the gasket, as that could result in water ingress and damage to the drone. [/caution]

 

Step 4 - Plug in the Dropper cable with the cable pointing downward

 

How to load the Restube Automatic in the Dropper

Step 1 - Press the Restube against the Dropper attachment

  • The Restube logo should face inward toward the drone
  • The Restube water activator should point toward the rear of the drone

Step 2 - Pull the Dropper bungee cord up and around the Restube

Step 3 - Pinch the end of the bungee cord to create a loop, then thread through the side tab of the dropper

Step 4 - Press the pin on the side of the dropper to thread it through the loop in the bungee cord, securing it in place

 

Preflight

[note] Before the start of your shift, it is recommended to perform a test drop (not over water, people, or hazards) to ensure the Dropper attachment functionality. [/note]

  1. Perform a visual inspection of the drone and Dropper system (per NYPD SOP)
  2. Load the Restube into the Dropper
  3. Power on the drone and controller
  4. Ensure Centerpoint is toggled on (Global Settings > Display > Centerpoint ON)
  5. Establish a launch zone, check airspace, and perform all regular drone preflight safety checks (per NYPD SOP)
  6. Keep the drone in the shade until ready to launch

Inflight

If a distress alert is received, follow these steps to deploy the Dropper.

  1. Launch the X10 and navigate towards the incident
  2. Locate the swimmer (using tools like zoom or thermal if needed)
  3. Descend to 25 ft above the swimmer (don’t drop from a higher altitude)
  4. Select the Dropper icon on the left-side of the controller screen
  5. Select Look Down
  6. Adjust the drone position if needed
  7. Stop moving to ensure accuracy of the drop
  8. Slide the onscreen slider to drop the Restube
  9. Ensure successful inflation

Postflight

  1. Inspect the Dropper attachment
  2. Load a new Restube (if it was deployed)
  3. Log the mission (time, location, outcome) per NYPD SOP
  4. Upload video/data if required per NYPD SOP
  5. Notify life guards and/or authorities with final status per NYPD SOP

Restube Automatic Resources

 

Printable Dropper References

FAQ

[accordion heading="Can the Dropper attachment operate in precipitation?"]

No. Due to the fact that the Restube Automatic is designed to deploy in water, the X10 Dropper attachment should not be operated in precipitation.

If the drone is unexpectedly caught in the rain, it’s recommended to land the drone and replace the trigger mechanism on the Restube before re-launching to reduce the possibility of the Restube deploying in flight.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Can I use Dropper with other attachments?"]

No, no other attachments can be used with Dropper. Skydio X10 will block launch if another attachment is installed while Dropper is installed.

[/accordion]

[accordion heading="Does Dropper impact overall battery life or drone speed?"]

You will see a moderate reduction in battery life when using the Dropper attachment. The drone will also be limited to a top speed of 27 mph (or 36 mph when using Boost) when the Dropper is installed.

[/accordion]

Specifications

Weight 385g
Attachment Location Left side
Operational Temperature Range -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C)
Wind Operational Limit Safely drop in winds up to vehicle top speed (27 mph, 12 m/s)
Maximum Recommended Deployment Altitude 25 feet AGL
Default Aircraft Speed 27 mph (12 m/s)
Aircraft Boost Speed 36 mph (16 m/s)
Ingress Protection Rating Not rated. Do not operate the Dropper attachment in precipitation

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