Skydio launches Controller 2 handheld with a brighter screen and 5G connectivity
Drone maker Skydio has started shipping Controller 2, a new handheld controller for its X10, X10D and R10 drones. It offers a larger, brighter display and 5G connectivity with a swappable SIM card.
US drone maker Skydio has begun shipping Controller 2, a new handheld controller built for its X10, X10D and R10 aircraft. The device targets professional operators who move between bright sunlight, dim interiors and night missions. The company says the design reflects operator feedback on dependable controls and better visibility during long missions.
Display and screen sharing
The main upgrade is a 7-inch touchscreen readable in direct sunlight. It has a 1920 x 1200 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits of sustained brightness. Pilots can view live video, maps and telemetry at the same time. The picture can be sent to external displays through HDMI output or wireless screencasting, for example for mission coordination or training.
Connectivity and durability
The controller supports a swappable 5G SIM card and Bring Your Own Plan (BYOP), so an organization can use an approved cellular carrier of its choice. If one carrier's coverage proves unreliable, teams can switch networks. Skydio lists the range over Connect 5G as unlimited where cellular coverage exists, while the Connect SL radio link has a stated range of up to 7.5 miles.
Operating time is about 5 hours and 45 minutes, and the unit has an IP55 rating against dust and water. It also has an integrated kickstand, protected control sticks and cable management features. Physical controls can be customized. The controller has HDMI and USB-C outputs, 128GB of internal storage, an AES-256 encrypted data link and secure boot.
One interface for three drones
Controller 2 offers the same Skydio Flight Deck experience on all three aircraft, so pilots do not need to learn different interfaces. It also connects with Skydio Command, the company's software platform for asset inspections, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, security operations and Drone as First Responder programs, in which a drone is sent to an incident ahead of other responders.
Controller 2 ships with new X10 and R10 purchases, and existing owners can order it separately. A dedicated version with a Microhard radio is available for X10D operators.
