ALTIUS-600 Drone

Defense Systems Full Specifications

The ALTIUS-600 is a versatile, tube-launched autonomous air vehicle developed by Area-I (now part of Anduril Industries), designed for multi-domain operations in modern U.S. military contexts. This compact drone stands out for its flexibility, supporting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, communications relay, and, in its armed variant (ALTIUS-600M), precision loitering munition strikes.

Manufacturer:

Anduril Industries (following the 2021 acquisition of Area-I), United States.

Speed and Range:

The ALTIUS-600 achieves a maximum speed of approximately 90 km/h (56 mph) and a cruise speed around 60 km/h (37 mph). It offers an operational range of up to 440 km (about 270-375 miles depending on configuration) and endurance of up to 4 hours for ISR missions, though the loitering munition variant (ALTIUS-600M) typically provides shorter endurance of around 1.5-2 hours with reduced range (around 160 km) to accommodate heavier payloads.

Cost/Price:

Specific unit costs are not publicly disclosed in detail, but foreign military sales packages involving hundreds of systems (including launchers and support) have been valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, indicating a relatively affordable profile for attritable, expendable platforms compared to larger UAVs.

The ALTIUS-600 features a 1-meter length, 2.54-meter wingspan, and gross weight of about 12.25 kg (27 lb). It is launched from tubes on ground vehicles, aircraft (fixed-wing or rotary), or maritime platforms, providing expeditionary forces with air-launched effects (ALE). Its modular nosecone supports payloads up to approximately 3.2 kg (7 lb) for non-lethal missions or warheads in the armed configuration. Key capabilities include high autonomy for single-operator control of multiple units, EO/IR sensors for day/night operations, and integration for collaborative strikes or swarm-like tactics. The system enhances survivability of manned assets by extending standoff distances and performing dangerous tasks in contested environments. It has seen testing and integration with U.S. Army programs like Project Convergence and demonstrations for potential allies, underscoring its role in evolving U.S. defense strategies focused on distributed, autonomous operations.