[accordion heading="Flight System Update"]

Non-Dock Flight Systems

1. Update the X10 Controller
2. Update Skydio X10

Read How to update Skydio X10 for step-by-step instructions.

[note] Do not update your system while the drone is in flight. This update will be released gradually over the course of one week. [/note]

[/accordion]

FEATURES

[note] This update will be released gradually over the next few weeks. Release notes were updated on December 15, 2025 to improve clarity and formatting. No product behavior or content has changed since the original release. [/note]

Support for Skydio X10 Gen 2 and Bring Your Own Cellular Plan (BYOP)

This update introduces compatibility with the Skydio X10 Gen 2 drone—featuring enhanced cellular hardware—and unlocks BYOP capability for future controller-based X10 Gen 2 systems. Customers can insert their own SIM card to use a preferred cellular plan as support for this feature expands. 

Please refer to the Skydio X10 Gen 2 and Bring Your Own Cellular Plan articles on our Support site for more detailed information. 

Parachute Attachment Support with Non-docked Flight Systems (EAP)

Skydio Parachute for X10 is an attachment built to enable compliant operations over people for Part 107 customers and to keep people on the ground safe in the extremely rare case where Skydio X10 flights are terminated outside of intentional landing.

• Spot problems before they escalate - Internal sensors proactively monitor flight conditions to detect anomalies and deploy Parachute if necessary
• Protect what matters automatically - In the event of a failure, the Parachute deploys autonomously to safeguard people and property
• Take action when you need to - Manual override option gives pilots the ability to deploy the Parachute on demand or disable it entirely
• Battery lock - Prevents battery separation during Parachute deployment for increased safety

Please read Getting started with Parachute for Skydio X10 for more detailed guidance about using this attachment. 

[warning] Before launching, ensure the USB-C cable is fully seated in the port. A loose connection may come free during flight, potentially resulting in a crash or serious bodily injury. [/warning]

[caution] Hand landing and hand launching is not supported on Parachute EAP software. Hand landing may result in inadvertent Parachute deployment. [/caution]

Introducing Effective GSD – A More Accurate Measure of Mapping Performance

Map Capture now uses Effective Ground Sampling Distance (GSD), a real-world measure of mapping performance, rather than relying solely on theoretical calculations. Unlike traditional GSD, which assumes perfect conditions, Effective GSD is based on real-world testing and accounts for factors such as camera performance, lens characteristics, and environmental conditions. This gives you a more accurate understanding of the detail you can expect in your imagery, making mission planning and map evaluation more reliable.

Improved Manual Focus Camera Controls

The manual focus interface on the X10 Controller has been redesigned to make fine adjustments faster and more precise. New slider controls highlight the current focus area, helping you make quick, precise adjustments.

• Ideal for customers who need to make frequent micro-adjustments, such as utility transmission and distribution line inspectors
• Full Parameter Control – In manual mode, you can adjust EV, ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed, and Focus directly from the controller
• Touch or D-Pad Navigation – Manual settings can be adjusted using either touchscreen inputs or the controller’s D-Pad for precision

Wind Speed and Direction Telemetry on X10 Controllers

The X10 Controller now provides real-time telemetry for wind speed and direction relative to the heading of the drone. This makes it easier to identify headwinds and tailwinds during flight, helping you better understand flight conditions and make informed decisions in the field.

• Know what you're flying into - Wind estimation indicators reveal in-air conditions that impact battery performance and flight speed
• Fly with confidence - Visual guidance shows wind direction relative to drone heading—helping pilots make faster, smarter decisions

[note] This is an estimation, not a direct observation, of wind behavior.  We infer wind speed and direction based on the difference between expected and observed drone behavior. [/note]

Photo Name Display in Telemetry

A new telemetry option allows you to display the file name of the most recent photo taken directly in the telemetry view. This makes it easier to match photos to specific equipment or work records, especially when many images look visually similar. 

• Remove guesswork, improve accuracy, and save time in post-mission analysis, especially useful for inspection and use cases

Smarter Low Light Detection

Skydio X10 will combine low-light sensing with locale specific time-of-day checks to notify the Pilot and automatically switch into Low Light mode (including Nightsense) at night to ensure reliable launches. Users can turn off low-light mode if they prefer.

• With NightSense - If NightSense is attached, the system will automatically turn NightSense on so you do not lose obstacle avoidance capabilities
• Without NightSense - Obstacle avoidance will be disabled and you will receive a notification. You have the ability to re-enable obstacle avoidance, but you may reduce the chances of a successful launch in these conditions.

[caution] Pilots can override this automatic action by turning off Low Light mode, though doing so in dim or night conditions is not recommended and may reduce flight performance. [/caution]

Radio Interference Detection on X10 Controllers

When interference from high-powered radios (e.g., HAM radios) is detected within ~12” of the X10 Controller, a new alert appears and provides guidance on how to reduce interference. 

• The alert will remain visible for up to 10 seconds unless dismissed by the Pilot
• To prevent communication loss, affected control inputs (L1, L2, R1, and R2) are temporarily disabled until the interference subsides

[note] This feature will be gradually rolled out to all users over the first 2 months of this release. [/note]

Crosshair Coordinates: Slant Range to Ground Intercept Point

Displays direct line-of-sight distance from the drone to the ground intercept point at the center of the crosshairs, improving coordination and targeting accuracy. The slant range is calculated using platform and target coordinates to display immediate, terrain-independent distance to target. This improves targeting and coordination, while reducing reliance on estimation or external tools.

• The X10 must be within the DTED map coverage area for the duration of the flight for crosshair coordinates and slant range data to be reported 

Support Log Upload Enhancements

Receive clearer feedback when uploading logs. A new connectivity widget shows whether the controller can connect to both the drone and the cloud before and during transfers, so you know right away if conditions are right for an upload.

• If a connection drops mid-transfer, the upload pauses instead of failing silently, giving you the option to cancel or retry later
• In rare cases where the controller cannot connect to its radio, a Controller Health error will appear with instructions to contact Customer Support

When poor connection quality is detected, the controller will now pause the transfer and give you the ability to cancel and retry later.

New Security and CJIS Controls

The following features strengthen data security and support CJIS compliance by ensuring flight media is always encrypted, properly managed across dock and controller workflows, and only shared with Skydio Support under your control.

Controller-Based Drone Encryption

For flights outside of a Dock, Pilots can enable encryption through the X10 Controller. Media is encrypted on the drone and decrypted after flight through controller-based workflows and the use of Yubikeys.

• Maintains compatibility with existing manual procedures while ensuring CJIS compliance

Grant Skydio File Access Permissions

You now have additional control over how and when to release flight media and logs to Skydio for support purposes. In addition to the existing Upload Skydio Flight Support Log, you’ll see a new Release to Skydio option. You remain in control of sensitive data, while still giving Skydio Support access to selected logs, media, and data files for troubleshooting.

• Available in multiple places across Skydio Cloud (Flight History via Flight System page, Flight Reports, Media sharing)

Other Improvements

• WiFi Disabled for Non-US Controllers – For X10 Controllers sold in certain regions (e.g., Japan, Australia), on this release and later, WiFi will be disabled by default to support adherence to local operational requirements. Customers can still connect via Ethernet or cellular, and WiFi can be re-enabled if the controller is later deployed in a supported region.
• X10 Controller Subject Tracking Enhancements – The X10 Controller supports up to 32 simultaneous tracks (previously limited to 6), with an updated interface and improved models designed for more complex scenarios.

FIXES

• Fixes a startup issue that could cause controller antennas to fail, resulting in degraded communication or disconnects
• Reduces instances of Fault V283 blocking flight
• Improvements to postflight task queues aim to decrease processing time
• Fixes an issue where stale ADS-B telemetry may show up in maps
• Increases the reliability of commandeering from the X10 Controller
• Fixes an issue during a 3D Scan that would cause an unnecessary emergency landings
• Fixes an issue that would prevent the controller from connecting to the drone due to radar hits
• Fixes a memory issue that could cause unexpected emergency landings