Product Details
The Albatross is our ready to fly system. This advanced fixed-wing UAV is custom built to order in the USA and can be configured for applications ranging from long-range ISR to precision agriculture and surveying. All systems arrive built, and ground tested.
Features
- Fully autonomous flight from takeoff through landing
- 10 KG (22 lbs) MTOW
- Modular design
- Entirely electric system
- Up to 4 HRS flight time (*varies based on battery set up, operating conditions, and use case)
- Wide flight envelope
- Sleek streamline appearance
- Large cruise window and payload capacity
- Self-cooling fuselage
- Entirely electric system
- Infield assembly in under 1 under 1hour
Included Avionics
- 1 x Albatross Airframe
- 7 x Hitec Servos
- 1 x Castle Creations BEC
- 1 x Castle Creations ESC
- 1 x Scorpion 4020 Motor (400 - 600 KV)
- 1 x APC Prop
- 1 x Tru Turn Spinner
- 1 x Airspeed Sensor
- 1 x GPS Unit
- 1 x Telemetry Module
- 1 x HV Power Module
- 1 x PX4 Autopilot
- 1 x Lidar Lite V3 Lidar
- 1 x Heavy-Duty Carrying Case
Note: Due to the global chip shortage, autopilots may be refurbished. All refurbished parts have been factory tested.
Specifications
- Product Code: 0013-UAV-RTF
- Wingspan: 3000MM or 9.8FT
- MTOW: 10 KG or 22 LBS
- Available Payload: 2KG - 4.4 KG (battery dependent)
- Mission Planning and Operations Software: QGround Control
- Endurance: 4 HRS (*varies based on battery set up, operating conditions, and use case)
- Range: 100 KM+
- Cruise Speed: 18 M/S or 40 MPH
- Max Level Speed: 40 M/S or 90 MPH
- Takeoff: 50 FT (Runway, unpaved road, cut grass)
- Glide Ratio (L/D): 28:1 - 30:1
- Center of Gravity: 85 MM - 95 MM from the root leading edge
Camera Options
We offer several standard camera options with the Albatross UAV. All listed options integrate seamlessly with the autopilot. If you don't select one of the available cameras, your Albatross will ship without one.
- Survey Camera- 20.1 MP, automatically geotags images in flight, Pixhawk compatible. Weight 72 grams. Dimension 12 x 10 x 7 in
- MAPIR Survey 3 - NDVI Camera, 12 MP, triggered from Pixhawk, in-flight geotagging. Weight 76 grams. Dimensions 59 x 41.5 x 36 mm
- FLIR Vue Pro - Thermal Camera, 0.02 MP, triggered from Pixhawk, in-flight geotagging. Weight 84g. Dimensions 41 x 59 x 29.6 mm. This camera will come hard-mounted if installation is requested. If you'd prefer it gimbaled, please contact us.
- Colibri2 EO/IR Gimbaled Camera with Tracking - Our ISR payload of choice is the Colibri2 from Next Vision. This EO-IR stabilized camera is built for professionals needing a quality camera for both day and night use. Weighing in at 180 grams (6.3 oz), the Colibri2 offers excellent image quality and sharpness to capture detailed imagery, such as license plates and faces. This camera comes fully integrated into your Albatross UAV.
- Nighthawk UZ EO/IR Gimbaled Camera with Tracking - Nighthawk2-UZ is a dual EO/IR stabilized camera turret crafted for long range observation applications that demand very low weight. X40 Zoom, 1280x720 thermal resolution, 350 grams.
Video Packages
Upgrade your Albatross to include a live video feed from the air back to your base station. If you don't select one of the available video packages, your Albatross will ship without any.
- Standard Range Video: This package gives the end-user the ability to transmit live analog video over a 1.3 GHZ frequency and comes with circularly polarized antennas. The standard range is 1km (varies based on RF environment and operating conditions).
- Long Range Video: This package utilizes high powered transmit/receive equipment and high gain antennas to extend video range from 1km to approximately 10km.
Autopilot Options
The Albatross base price includes a PX4 Autopilot. Our current models ship without the Pixhawk 4. We also provide several upgrades for those looking for something a little different. Parameter files and ground control software is provided at no charge to all customers.
- Standard Autopilot: Our standard autopilot (the brain of the drone) is a Pixhawk 4 running PX4.
- USA Autopilot: We offer a US-made version of the PX4 autopilot for customers requiring a variant that is made right here at home. Functionality remains unchanged, but the country of origin is the USA.
- Autopilot Thermal Calibration: Temperature calibrating a Pixhawk provides more stable sensor data over varying operating temperatures. Utilizing a thermally controlled chamber, onboard sensors (gyro, accelerometer, and barometer pressure) are temperature calibrated from -20 C to + 60 C to correct for the effect changing sensor temperatures has on sensor bias yielding more stable sensor data. A test report is provided with each calibrated Pixhawk outlining the raw data and offset calculated and a parameter file that includes the calibration details applied.
Command and Control Options
The standard command and control range is approximately 1 km. This is provided on our base model at no additional cost. For customers looking for additional range, we highly recommend upgrading to our long-range package.
- Standard Telemetry and Control: Standard range of approximately 1km for both command and control. Note that range will vary based on RF environment. All systems will ship with US modules unless otherwise requested in your order notes.
- Long-Range Package: Our long-range package increases range by up to 40km. This system consists of a long range UHF RC transmitter module and receiver and two long-range telemetry units. The range is increased up to 20+ miles. Our long-range kit has recently been upgraded to provide an encrypted telemetry link as well as a bidirectional RC link. This enables telemetry data to be transmitted securely and allows you to receive and transmit data and commands over the separate RC communication channel as a backup fail-safe. All systems will ship with US modules unless otherwise requested in your order notes. RC is at 433MHz and Telemetry is at 900MHz. If you have specific requirements for alternate frequencies you must let us know before your build commences.
- Redundant LTE Package: 4 x redundant LTE/5G communication link with a fallback RF link at 900MHz. This package is the ultimate in BVLOS connectivity for drones, providing absolutely connection confidence and ensuring 99.8% connectivity uptime.
Laser Altimeter Options
Our base model Albatross ships out with a Garmin, compact optical disance measurement sensor. This laser altimeter is used to assist with autonomous takeoff and landing. We also offer an upgraded version that increases accuracy on takeoff and landing.
- Standard Option: 40m range
- Upgraded Option: Extends range to 120m for additional accuracy on takeoff and landing.
Ground Stations
Missions can be seamlessly planned and executed from your existing laptop or desktop computer (Mac, Windows, Linux). For customers looking for something a little different, we also offer two ground station options.
- Tablet Computer: The tablet ground station is easy to use and ideal for short-range VLOS missions. From the tablet, easily plan, execute and monitor your mission.
- Dual Screen GCS: The Dual Screen GCS is a ruggedized dual-screen ground station. Featuring daylight readable screens, payload gimbal joystick, and 128GB of storage, all housed in a Pelican carrying case.
RC Remote
We recommend adding an RC remote to any Albatross UAV. The RC remote is beneficial to seamless setup and is also recommended should the user need to take manual control at any time. If you have an existing RC remote, you'd like to use, please contact us to verify compatibility.
Batteries
The Albatross UAV uses energy-dense lithium-ion batteries to fly long distances. The system can be flown with up to 3 batteries at a time, each adding around 1.5 hours of flight time.
Spare Parts
Albatross In-Field Kits include everything you'll need to ensure 100% uptime. Included:
- 1 x Complete Set of Albatross Servos
- 1 x Complete Set of Albatross Hardware
- 1 x Complete Set of Albatross Wheels
- 1 x UV-Curing Patch Kit
- 4 x Albatross Props
First Year Support
1st YEAR SUPPORT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CUSTOMERS. FLEET PURCHASES WILL BE BILLED FOR FIRST YEAR SUPPORT AT 50% DISCOUNTED RATE FOR SUBSEQUENT VEHICLES UNLESS THOSE VEHICLES ARE BUILT IN A DIFFERENT CONFIGURATION THAN THE FIRST. EXTENDED SUPPORT PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS AND PRICING
1st Year Support Basic Includes:
- Onboarding: 1 Hour
- Preflight Checklist: Included
- Technical Support: 6 Hours / Total (email)
- Maiden Flight Log Analysis: Included
1st Year Support For Includes:
- Onboarding: 1 Hour
- Preflight Checklist: Included
- Standard Operating Procedures Template: Included
- Technical Support: 10 Hours / Total (Email or Phone)
- Maiden Flight Log Analysis: Included
1st YEAR SUPPORT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CUSTOMERS. FLEET PURCHASES WILL BE BILLED FOR FIRST YEAR SUPPORT AT 50% DISCOUNTED RATE FOR SUBSEQUENT VEHICLES UNLESS THOSE VEHICLES ARE BUILT IN A DIFFERENT CONFIGURATION THAN THE FIRST. 1ST YEAR SUPPORT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR AIRFRAME PURCHASES. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO ELECT TO OPT OUT OF FIRST YEAR SUPPORT FOR KIT PURCHASES, BUT IT IS EXPRESELY UNDERSTOOD NO SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN IN THIS INSTANCE.
Remote Training
- This package was designed to provide 2 people with 1 day of remote operational training. This training is conducted over Web-X and covers operation and maintenance, mission planning, pre and post-flight procedures, and best practices. We supply all customers with a comprehensive user manual and pre and post-flight checklists.
- Training must be scheduled 6-8 weeks in advance and used within 6 months of order receipt to avoid expiration. We cannot support goods that have been outside of our facility for extended durations of time, as we cannot control what has happened to them in that timeframe.
Note that the Albatross UAV RTF requires a license to export to many countries. Applied Aeronautics will file your export license within 7 days of payment receipt. Note that we have no control over the duration of time it takes to obtain your license.
Important Notes
- RC Remote, batteries, charger, and camera not included. See optional upgrades to customize the Albatross Ready to Fly to suit your needs. *Note, should you purchase spare batteries, they are UN3480 and ship as Dangerous Goods per IATA requirements. The customer's responsibility is to ensure all goods are eligible for import to their home country before purchase.
- This is an expert level product. Prior experience with RC planes and fixed-wing UAVs is highly recommended. Moderate set up and sensor calibration is required upon receipt of your finished system. If you do not have prior experience with fixed-wing RC or UAV systems or experience is limited to consumer products, we recommend purchasing one of our support packages.
- Albatross UAV Ready to Fly systems are designed and assembled in the USA. Internal avionics are manufactured in various countries including: the USA, France, China, Mexico, Switzerland and Australia. Should you or your group be subject to regulations governing Country of Origin, please contact us. We have alternate components available to meet compliance requirements.
- The use and operation of this type of product in the USA and many other countries may require a license and some countries may forbid its use entirely. In the USA, you will need a "HAM" amateur radio license. It is your responsibility to ensure that the use of this product meets the requirements imposed by your governments rules and regulations for RF devices. Do not purchase this product if you are unsure of the government requirements or ar not able to comply with them. Applied Aeronautics is not responsible for your actions if you purchase and/or use this product in violation of your governments regulations. By agreeing to our terms and conditions at the time of order you are also agreeing to have read and understand this notice.