US Skydio micro-UAS to strengthen New Zealand's reconnaissance capabilities.

On December 19, 2023, EPE New Zealand Limited (EPE), in partnership with US manufacturer Skydio, was awarded a contract by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence. The contract's primary objective is to supply the New Zealand Army with Skydio X2D micro-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), aimed at enhancing the Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
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The Skydio micro-unmanned aerial system (UAS) is also used by the US Army. (Picture source: Skydio)

Under the terms of this contract, EPE will deliver Skydio's X2D UAS to equip the New Zealand Army with a micro UAS specifically designed for organic surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This UAS is known for its obstacle avoidance, portability, ruggedness, and user-friendly features.

Beyond the delivery of the micro-UAS, EPE's responsibilities include providing training to NZDF personnel and delivering ongoing Through Life Support (TLS) services locally in New Zealand. This comprehensive support ensures that the NZDF can effectively employ the technology throughout its lifecycle, from design to disposal.

The introduction of the Skydio X2D UAS is an integral part of the Ministry of Defence's NEA Programme. This program is designed to modernize the NZDF's land forces by offering networked command, control, communications, and computer (C4) capabilities, along with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The Skydio X2D UAS brings several that could make it a valuable asset for military applications. Its rugged and portable design, which includes a foldable airframe, enables rapid deployment in diverse operational environments. The drone prioritizes cybersecurity through AES-256 wireless encryption to secure communication and data transfer, ensuring confidentiality in sensitive operations.

Operating on 1.8 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, the Skydio X2D offers wireless ranges of up to 10 km and 6 km, respectively, and can remain airborne for up to 35 minutes, facilitating extended missions. The UAS's imaging capabilities are enhanced by a dual sensor payload, featuring a 12MP color camera and a FLIR thermal sensor, enabling thermal imaging with an 8x zoom. Vision-based navigation ensures the UAS can operate effectively in areas where GPS signals are unreliable or unavailable.

The Skydio X2D's autonomy relies on the Skydio Autonomy Enterprise platform, which provides 360° obstacle avoidance, autonomous tracking, and navigation, minimizing the need for extensive pilot training. Optional add-ons, such as the Skydio 3D Scan, automate image capture for documenting structures and creating 3D models. The controller for the Skydio X2D offers USB and HDMI connectivity, with a video feed quality of 720p at 30 fps.

The Skydio Autonomy Enterprise platform features an NVIDIA Tegra X2 SOC processor and a trinocular camera configuration with six cameras, providing omnidirectional obstacle avoidance coverage and advanced features for object tracking, identification, and AI-assisted piloting modes.

Regarding specifications, the Skydio X2D measures 66.3 cm x 56.9 cm x 21.1 cm when unfolded and weighs 1,325 g with the battery. The drone can achieve a maximum flight speed of 40 km/h, withstand wind speeds of up to 37 km/h, and operate at altitudes of up to 12,000 ft. It is designed to function in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 43°C.

Operating on 1.8 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, the Skydio X2D offers wireless ranges of up to 10 km and 6 km, respectively. (Picture source: US DoD)