Airsight Upgrades Detection for Skydio X10's New Behavior

This report addresses a recent and significant change in the Remote ID (RID) broadcast behavior of the Skydio X10 drone. Our team and partners have observed that this new model has begun to utilize multiple Wi-Fi channels for its RID transmissions, a departure from the previously consistent use of channel 149. This "frequency channel hopping" has the potential to create detection delays for existing RID scanning systems. In response, Airsight has proactively developed and is in the process of deploying an enhanced scanning algorithm to our UAS Sentry sensors to mitigate this issue and ensure the continued rapid and reliable detection of all drones, including the Skydio X10.

The Technical Challenge: Frequency Hopping

For a long time, Skydio drones reliably transmitted RID information on Wi-Fi channel 149. Our scanning algorithm was optimized for this. However, in the last six weeks, the new Skydio X10 model has been observed using additional RID Wi-Fi channels by default, including 146 and 153. This results in frequency hopping. While our sensors could always scan these channels, the algorithm's heavy prioritization of channel 149 meant it took longer to detect signals on these other, now-active channels.

Table 1: Observed Skydio X10 RID Channel Usage

Data from UAS Sentry vendor, last 6 weeks.

Impact on Detection Times

The previous algorithm's focus on channel 149 resulted in noticeable delays when the Skydio X10 transmitted on other channels. The new, enhanced algorithm significantly reduces these detection times across the board, as shown in the conceptual data below.

Table 2: Impact on Enhanced Algorithm on Detection Time

Conceptual data based on internal testing.

Our Proactive Solution: Enhanced Scanning

In response, our vendor developed a sophisticated firmware update that intelligently adjusts the core detection methodology. The updated scanning algorithm reduces the scan intervals for other channels while maintaining a slightly higher, but more balanced, priority for channel 149.

Table 3: Scanning Algorithm Prioritization: Old vs. New

Relative priority indicates how frequently a channel is scanned.

Conclusion: Staying Ahead of the Curve

The emergence of frequency hopping in the Skydio X10 is a prime example of the ever- evolving nature of drone technology. Our rapid and proactive response demonstrates Airsight's commitment to providing our clients with the most advanced and reliable airspace security solutions. By continuously monitoring the threat landscape and adapting our technology accordingly, we ensure that our clients remain protected.