Altius becomes first Russian drone with satellite communications.

Altius unmanned aerial vehicle is the first Russian drone equipped with satellite communications, Chief Designer of the vehicle Ilya Matveev told Rossiya-24 TV channel.

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Altius-U (Picture source: Russian MoD)

The receiver is located under the head cowl of the drone, he said. “The satellite communications terminal has been designed in Russia. Our drone is the first one to enjoy such a capability,” he said.

Altius is a heavy long-range combat drone with a long flight duration. It can carry various payloads and arms. 

About the Altius

The Altius-U is the drone’s final conceptual design after the tests of several prototypes, the Defense Ministry said. "The system is capable of accomplishing a whole range of reconnaissance assignments, employing optical, radio-technical and radar equipment and staying in the air for over 24 hours. The drone weighs about 6 tonnes," the ministry specified. The Altius-U features a satellite control channel, "which makes the radius of its employment actually unlimited," the statement say.

Altius-U will be the backbone of heavy Russian drone fleet and will be able to operate in autonomous regime.

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