ALTIUS-600
Area-I (now Shield AI) · United States · first flew 2018 · reconnaissance aircraft
The ALTIUS-600 is a US man-portable tube-launched UAV developed by Area-I for the US Army, capable of carrying EO/IR sensors or small payloads for tactical ISR and effects.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × electric, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 1.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tube-launched UAV that unfolds straight wings after ejection from a canister
- Single tractor electric motor at the nose
- Small conventional tail; entire aircraft collapses to fit a 6-inch tube
Tube-launched form factor means the aircraft looks like a stubby dart before deployment; once airborne it resembles a conventional low-wing monoplane with a tractor propeller. No landing gear — recovered by parachute or net.
Specifications
- The ALTIUS-600 has a length of 1.2 m (4 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 2 m (7 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 167 km/h (104 mph).
- Typical crew: 0.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Area-I developed ALTIUS (Agile Lightweight Intelligence, Targeting and ISR UAV System) under Army contract, with the 600-class entering advanced testing around 2018-2020. The system was designed to be launched from a standard 6-inch infantry tube and unfold its wings in flight, providing dismounted units with an organic ISR asset. Shield AI acquired Area-I in 2021.
Variants
ALTIUS-600 is the primary variant; ALTIUS-700 is a larger heavier-payload derivative.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by US Army and Special Operations forces; procurement status as of 2024 remains in the advanced testing and fielding phase.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.