Frequently Asked Questions

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Depending on the application, typically two operators are recommended. Generally, a pilot in command, who is responsible for all flight operations and a co-pilot to assist with ground control operations, mission planning and camera/payloads control. For more basic applications like mapping a single operator can easily operate the system.  

From in the case to in the air, the aircraft can be setup within 10 min. This includes unpacking, assembly, mission planning, fueling and conducting all the pre-flight checks. 

Our standard models are sold without Transponders, but we offer a range of ADS-B Transponder that can be installed. We have used and recommend uAvionix products. 

The type of operation and altitude that our clients typically fly are do not call for sensor based collision avoidance, but we are working with experts in this specific field to develop such a solution for our aircraft in the future. 

We suggest an area of between 4m to 6m squared. The aircraft takes off and lands vertically so any area larger than the aircraft itself will do, but any larger areas available are recommended. 

VTOL stands for Vertical take-off and landing. Meaning the aircraft ascends and descends vertically and does not require a runway, bulky launch equipment or parachutes for take-off or landing. 

Depending on the actual weather condition, The ALTI Ascend and Transition aircraft design does not permit operating in wet weather conditions. The ALTI Reach is capable of flight in wet and rainy conditions, depending on payload and other options required. 

Security & Surveillance​, Surveying, Mapping & Photogrammetry, Agriculture & Farming, Search and Rescue, and BVLOS / Long Range applications

 Depending on the aircraft, payload and all-up-weight, hover is strictly for take-off and landing with a maximum hover time of up to 3 min. Fixed wing flight on the ALTI Ascend is up to 6 hours or 450 km, 12 hours or 900 km on the ALTI Transition, and up to 20 hours or 1800 km on the ALTI Reach. 

Not yet, alternative landing gear incorporating floating devices are being developed for this purpose. 

Yes, subject to our technical department conducting a feasibility analysis to check whether the requested modification or upgrade can be made. We also offer advanced custom development and integration services. 

Yes, an experienced UAV pilot is required to operate and fly ALTI aircraft. While the aircraft are capable of autonomous flight from take-off to landing, a safety pilot is highly recommended for all flights. We have minimum operator requirements that can be used as a guideline to safely operate our aircraft. 

 Our hardware components are rated to handle temperatures between -10°C and +50°, and cold weather is planned for winter 2020, down to at least -25°C for northern and arctic missions. 

The aircraft has various autonomous failsafe features that allow for safe operations in all flight modes. In the event of a main engine failure, the Autopilot will detect the drop in airspeed and initiate the VTOL motors to immediately regain safe hover flight before the aircraft stalls. 

 Aircraft telemetry data and payload video typically uses 2.4GHz over a Microhard or Silvus radio system. The separate control link is 868MHz or 915MHz (country specific) 

 Yes, with our advanced radio systems mesh networking is possible. 

Yes, our proprietary artificial intelligence classifier and multi-sensor fusion is able to reduce total cognitive operator load, and perform detections on streaming EO/IR full motion video in real time.  With training, it can differentiate between multiple states, and perform very accurate clustering and counting within seconds. It can also be fused with other external data sources.

Yes, the video feed is digital (IP based) and can be streamed from the C2 over an internet connection or local network. 

Not as standard but different encryption options are available. 

After 30 seconds (adjustable) of data link signal loss the aircraft will go into an automatic Return-to-Land (RTL) mode. 

After 1.5 seconds (adjustable) of control link signal loss, the aircraft will go into an automatic circle or loiter mode to regain connection. If after 30 seconds (adjustable) the link has not been re-established, the Return-to-Land (RTL) mode will be initiated. 

For added redundancy and frequency allocation. Lower frequencies allow for a more stable and reliable connection and further range. 

Yes. The data link is used to control the aircraft via the C2 mission planner (Guided mode, auto mission flight etc), meaning there is no direct input required from the pilot. 

All data and video footage can be recorded and stored directly on the C2 command and control hard drive and can be viewed or transferred to another storage device. Some payloads also offer on-board recording. 

The aircraft needs to maintain a link with the GCS for safe and legal operation. This will only be achieved with clear Line of Sight from the GCS to the aircraft. The maximum range will be determined by your choice of antenna solution and the environment, altitude and location of flight. Link range with the standard ALTI C2 is up to 10 km. We offer various advanced radio system and tracking antennas with maximum ranges of up to 150 km. 

No, the C2 can be operated with batteries. It has a smart power management system that can switch between available power sources without losing power. Batteries can also be hot-swapped during operation for pro-longed operation without powering down the C2.

Yes, we do offer a comprehensive system training course for ALTI aircraft. Please note this is not flight training for learning how to fly unmanned aircraft, but rather ALTI system familiarization training and how to operate and fly ALTI aircraft. 

We are partnered with leading RPAS training organizations in Canada to deliver RPAS training and administer RPAS Flight Reviews. This is not performed by ALTi UAS Canada. This training would be a prerequisite to ALTI system familiarization training and how to operate and fly ALTI aircraft. 

ALTI system training is conducted near Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Some training may be required to be completed by ALTI in Knysna, South Africa, if applicable. We can offer other location specific (international) training pending availability.