The Skydio X2D drone from Blue sUAS manufacturer Skydio is one of six SRR prototypes evaluated by the military based on its requirements.

According to Defense News, after a competitive selection process, the US Army has chosen two systems for limited user testing at the Army Test and Evaluation Command.Based on the data from this [limited user testing] event and previous milestone evaluations,the Army has chosen to keep the Skydio system in the prototype design phase,"said an Army spokesperson.The army will now conduct a follow-up evaluation of its final prototype, which is expected to begin in early April.After successfully completing the evaluation, the Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Project Office will request permission from the Aviation Project Execution Office to begin production of the first batch of systems using the Skydio system.

The selection of the supplier for the US Army's Phase 1 short-range reconnaissance is an important milestone for the Army, our strategic partners, and domestic industrial bases. The future of our soldiers is now,"said Colonel Joseph Anderson,project manager for unmanned aerial vehicle systems. The relationship we have established with the industry demonstrates our commitment to competition and our ability to lead and innovate advanced technologies in unmanned systems.

For Skydio, the military, and most importantly, the men and women who serve our country, this is an exciting milestone. For drones weighing under 20 pounds, civilian drone technology has already taken the lead over traditional defense systems. Through the SRR program, our soldiers can now use the world's most advanced capabilities,"Skydio CEO Adam Bree said in a statement. Thanks to Skydio Autonomy,Skydio drones provide unparalleled situational awareness and ease of use in the most demanding situations. We are proud to collaborate with the Army and look forward to deploying these units while continuing to develop capabilities to provide our troops with real-time data necessary for successful and safe mission completion

The Skydio X2D features FLIR thermal sensors, GPS based nighttime flight capabilities, and strobe lights. According to the manufacturer, it can fly on a single battery for up to 35 minutes.In August 2020, the Defense Innovation Department of the Department of Defense designated five American made drone companies as trusted small drone suppliers. Altavian, Parrot, Skydio, Teal, and Vantage Robotics are selected as Blue sUAS drone manufacturers.

The drones that the Pentagon can procure through this measure must be ready in two minutes or less, have a flight time exceeding 30 minutes, and be able to fly in dust, rain, and other harsh conditions.Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, saidFor Skydio, the military, and most importantly, the men and women who serve our country, this is an exciting milestone... Our soldiers will now be able to use the world's most advanced capabilities at this level

Source: Military of Strong Countries