Altius MkII
Aurora Integrated Systems · India · also known as Altius Mk-II, Altius Mk II · Updated
Altius MkII is a tactical fixed-wing UAV developed by Aurora Integrated Systems of India for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. It is an Indian design, distinct from the similarly named Altius family of UAVs developed in Russia, and offers ISTAR support at brigade level through a modular, reconfigurable sensor payload.
Overview
Aurora Integrated Systems, a Bengaluru-based UAV maker, built the Altius MkII as a medium-altitude, medium-range system intended for strike-support reconnaissance, real-time targeting, maritime security, order-of-battle collection and artillery and close-air-support adjustment. The aircraft is fully autonomous and mission-programmable, with pre-set search patterns and in-flight waypoint updates, and it operates alongside a twin-console ground control station that handles vehicle operation and payload control separately. The airframe disassembles for transport in a standard light military vehicle, and the system is designed to set up for flight in under 60 minutes with a crew of three operators.
Design and capabilities
The Altius MkII is 3.2 m long with a 5.5 m wingspan, has a maximum take-off weight of 80 kg against an airframe weight of 35 kg in advanced composites, and takes off and lands on an unprepared runway as short as 100 m. Aurora Integrated Systems quotes an endurance of 8 to 10 hours and a line-of-sight datalink range of 125–150 km, extendable to 350 km with an optional satellite datalink and onboard video recording. Maximum speed is quoted as above 160 km/h, with a 110 km/h cruise speed and a 70 km/h minimum speed; the aircraft is rated to operate in winds up to 55 km/h. Service ceiling is 12,000 ft (about 3,660 m), with a typical operational altitude of 1,500 to 8,000 ft above ground level, and the manufacturer rates the airframe for more than 4,000 flight hours or 500 landings. Propulsion is a propeller-driven two-stroke engine burning gasoline or Avgas 100LL, carried in a 24–40 litre fuel tank.
The payload bay carries 10–20 kg across a four-sensor package that Aurora Integrated Systems describes as reconfigurable: a day television camera with 22.5° to 1° zoom field of view, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor with multiple fields of view and automatic gain correction, a laser range finder rated beyond 4 km, and an optional laser spotter/designator. The sensor gimbal is stabilised to under 50 microradians of line-of-sight jitter and covers more than half a hemisphere of field of regard, with built-in automatic target acquisition, extraction and tracking. Communications use a point-to-point, full-duplex, jam-resistant digital microwave telemetry link, with analog or digital video downlink options.
Use cases
Aurora Integrated Systems positions the Altius MkII for deep-penetration reconnaissance and surveillance over protected targets, target identification, first-round strike accuracy and post-strike damage assessment, real-time targeting for precision strikes, maritime security patrol, order-of-battle collection, and route, area and zone reconnaissance in support of ground forces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of the Altius MkII?
Aurora Integrated Systems quotes a line-of-sight datalink range of 125–150 km, extendable to 350 km with an optional satellite datalink.
How long can the Altius MkII fly?
The manufacturer quotes an endurance of 8 to 10 hours.
What payload does the Altius MkII carry?
A reconfigurable four-sensor package — day TV, forward-looking infrared, laser range finder and an optional laser designator — weighing 10 to 20 kg.
Is the Altius MkII related to the Russian Altius drone?
No. It is an unrelated, separately developed Indian tactical UAV that happens to share part of its name.
How does the Altius MkII take off and land?
From an unprepared runway as short as 100 m; it does not use a catapult or rocket-assisted launch.
