Verizon Deploys New Drone for Crisis Response

Verizon is using a new drone as part of its frontline crisis response team. 

The company has teamed with Skydio to use its X10 as its primary drone which Chris Sanders, a senior manager for the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, said is an AI-enabled drone capable of providing the team with enhanced capabilities, including full or partial autonomous flight.

“It will allow us to stream video to the agencies we fly for by sharing a link, which means that anyone in the organization will be able to see the stream, and it makes it easier for us because there’s less equipment needed to operate the drone,” Sanders said. “This aircraft modernizes our fleet and helps take us to the next level of capabilities while giving us flexibility for the future.”

Verizon’s Frontline Crisis Response Team provides on-demand, 24/7 emergency assistance during crisis situations to government agencies and emergency responders.

The X10 replaces several of the teams' current drones.

An advanced small uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), the X10 can be used for several operations including search and rescue missions, thermal mapping and situational awareness during a crisis, Verizon said. 

It has a 40-minute flight time, can power up in under 40 seconds and reaches a maximum  speed of 45 mph. Its sensor package has multiple cameras including telephoto, narrow and radiometric thermal for low-light environments.

Related:Skydio Rolls Out Dock for Remote Drone Ops

It also has NightSense, allowing for autonomous flight, with obstacle avoidance when there is no light, ensuring for uninterrupted crisis response 24 hours a day. 

Callan Carpenter, chief revenue officer at Skydio, said the X10 was designed to be the most advanced autonomous drone ever calling it “incredible - even humbling - to see it in the hands of the Verizon Frontline team and being used to help first responders when it matters most.”

“Crisis situations are extreme environments and Skydio is proud to be a part of the technology foundation that enables them to stay connected to answer the call when lives are on the line,” Carpenter said.