This often comes around, New product overtaking Big Dog Brand... not tracking on that, currently they don’t serve the same market. Little “overlap” in one narrow offering but beyond that not even competitors... I doubt DJI is overly concerned... probably more how they want to position their product to hold majority or minimize the impact of Skydio. They’ve pushed out several Others over the years with multiple tactics. The Govt market is a separate market, and I’m not positive that‘s even a closed chapter.
I’ve had an S2 for about 10 months, RC & Beacon. It’s a great craft... When OA with quick AI is a primary need of mission. Tracking as example a subject (self & bike) without controlling is awesome & impressive! Still amazed watching it perform in that manor! Rarely use the S2, that feature isn’t high on my list of needs... nice to have, but not a primary.
Overall, so far the S2 is more limited by 3rd party software or mission capabilities in OEM SW & the RC. It’s not come close to replacing my DJI crafts. The S2 is a Great craft, but I don’t see it giving the DJI products direct competition across the multitude of operations DJI Support’s. As Skydio continues to offer a few subscription specialty modules... many, including myself will use other platforms without subscriptions. To some shops, these services with the S2 will be greatly received... but those Shops may also qualify for the X2 purchases... not obtainable by small shops. I’m also one that feels Skydio has obtained their goal... Govt Contracts and they’ll slowly exit consumer market; It’s just not as profitable as a Govt contract with low volume products.
One major negative... also apparent on the X2. The S2 is worthless in low light or darkness... refuses to even take off in any manual mode. The X2 allows low light flight, loosing the Optical OA and switching to other sensors or GPS with stipulated less OA available. That Optical deficit probably effects usefulness in smoke, fog, etc too... removing many missions: SAR, Fire, etc.
The need for OA isn’t always a function needed, I rarely have it “on” for most projects with other platforms: DJI (several platforms) & Yuneec H520... often find having OA on hindering the mission. It’s not needed on missions supported: construction surveys, modeling, capture video via POI or Waypoints.
Actually prior to the Mavic series... back in Phantom heyday and Inspire 1; DJI did show a R&D project using Optical OA 360 sphere around the craft. It didn’t drum much interest at the time for the projected cost or User requests and was shelved. I don’t believe including Optical OA would be overly challenging if you examine some of their Ag products and other vertical products not marketed in USA or consumer markets. Their assessment on ROI and market is a strong consideration... particularly if they aren’t currently gaining Govt accounts... “currently”; they’ed be more focused on pro-consumer & retail.
DJI has acquired many USA located structures and land over the years. They warehouse inventory and Service Centers in USA. It wouldn’t be difficult to relocate some production to USA to easily meet the “Assembled in USA“ or “Made in USA” requirements. Currently several of the chosen USA sUAV products are “Assembled in USA”, not technically USA made.
IMO: The Govt politics effected the Chinese product more than any other factor. If truly a matter of Chinese parts, then better address cellular devices, GPS hardware, WiFi & LAN hardware, IT hardware, etc that has a lot more exposure than sUAV.
Still, the S2 is a great craft for some purposes!