ALBATROSS UAV RTF

The Albatross is a ready-to-fly fixed-wing UAS platform designed for long-endurance missions, modular payload integration, and professional field operations. Built and ground-tested in the United States, each aircraft is configured to order for applications including long-range ISR, mapping, surveying, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, public safety, and research.

With up to 4 hours of endurance, a 10 kg MTOW, 100 km+ range, and 2–4.4 kg of available payload capacity depending on battery configuration, the Albatross gives operators a flexible fixed-wing platform that can be tailored to a wide range of mission profiles.

Each ready-to-fly system arrives assembled, ground-tested, and configured with the selected avionics, communications, payload, and support options.

Key Features

• Ready-to-fly fixed-wing UAS platform
• Built and ground-tested in the USA
• Fully autonomous flight from takeoff through landing
• 10 kg / 22 lb maximum takeoff weight
• Up to 4 hours of endurance, depending on battery configuration, payload, operating conditions, and mission profile
• 100 km+ operational range
• 2–4.4 kg available payload capacity, battery dependent
• Modular airframe and payload architecture
• All-electric propulsion system
• Wide flight envelope
• Large cruise window
• Self-cooling fuselage design
• Efficient 28:1–30:1 glide ratio
• In-field assembly in under 1 hour
• Compatible with QGroundControl mission planning software
• Configurable with survey, thermal, EO/IR, video, long-range communications, LTE/5G, ground station, and edge compute options

Standard System Includes

The Albatross Ready-to-Fly system includes the aircraft, propulsion system, avionics, autonomous flight hardware, and carrying case required for professional fixed-wing UAS operations.

Included Equipment

• 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 propeller
• 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-compatible autopilot
• 1 x Lidar Lite V3 lidar
• 1 x heavy-duty carrying case

Note: Component availability may vary based on supply chain conditions and selected configuration. Applied Aeronautics may substitute equivalent or upgraded components when required.

Specifications

Performance varies based on payload, battery configuration, operating conditions, weather, terrain, mission profile, and pilot/operator setup.

Payload & Camera Options

The Albatross can be configured with several standard camera and payload options. All listed camera options are designed to integrate with the aircraft’s autopilot and mission workflow. If no camera option is selected, the aircraft will ship without a camera.

Survey Camera

A lightweight 20.1 MP survey camera designed for aerial mapping and image collection.

• 20.1 MP resolution
• Automatically geotags images in flight
• Pixhawk-compatible triggering
• Weight: 72 g
• Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 7 in

MAPIR Survey3 NDVI Camera

A compact multispectral camera option for vegetation analysis, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

• 12 MP resolution
• NDVI imaging
• Pixhawk-triggered
• In-flight geotagging
• Weight: 76 g
• Dimensions: 59 x 41.5 x 36 mm

FLIR Vue Pro Thermal Camera

A lightweight thermal imaging option for heat detection, inspection, search, and monitoring applications.

• Thermal imaging camera
• Pixhawk-triggered
• In-flight geotagging
• Weight: 84 g
• Dimensions: 41 x 59 x 29.6 mm
• Hard-mounted when installation is requested

Gimbaled installation may be available by request. Contact Applied Aeronautics to confirm compatibility and integration requirements.

NextVision Colibri2 EO/IR Gimbaled Camera with Tracking

The Colibri2 is Applied Aeronautics’ preferred ISR payload for customers requiring a lightweight stabilized EO/IR camera for day and night operations.

• EO/IR stabilized camera
• Integrated tracking capability
• Designed for professional ISR and observation missions
• Suitable for detailed imagery collection
• Weight: 180 g / 6.3 oz
• Fully integrated into the Albatross when selected

Nighthawk UZ EO/IR Gimbaled Camera with Tracking

The Nighthawk UZ is a lightweight dual EO/IR stabilized turret designed for long-range observation missions.

• Dual EO/IR stabilized payload
• 40x zoom
• 1280 x 720 thermal resolution
• Tracking capability
• Weight: 350 g

Video Downlink Options

The Albatross can be upgraded with a live video feed from the aircraft to the ground station. If no video package is selected, the system will ship without a video downlink.

Standard Range Video

The standard video package provides live analog video transmission over 1.3 GHz.

• Live analog video feed
• 1.3 GHz transmission frequency
• Circularly polarized antennas included
• Approximate range: 1 km

Range varies based on RF environment, terrain, antenna setup, and operating conditions.

Long Range Video

The long-range video package extends video transmission range using higher-powered transmit/receive equipment and high-gain antennas.

• Long-range live video feed
• High-powered transmit/receive equipment
• High-gain antennas
• Approximate range: up to 10 km

Range varies based on RF environment, terrain, antenna setup, and operating conditions.

Autopilot Options

The Albatross includes a PX4-compatible autopilot as part of the base ready-to-fly system. Applied Aeronautics also offers upgraded autopilot configurations for customers with specific compliance, country-of-origin, or operational requirements.

Standard Autopilot

The standard autopilot configuration provides autonomous flight capability using PX4-compatible flight control hardware and software.

• Autonomous takeoff, mission execution, and landing
• PX4-compatible architecture
• Parameter files provided
• Compatible ground control software provided at no charge

USA-Made Autopilot Option

For customers requiring a U.S.-made autopilot, Applied Aeronautics offers an alternate PX4-compatible flight controller option.

• U.S.-made flight controller option
• PX4-compatible functionality
• Designed for customers with country-of-origin or compliance requirements

Autopilot Thermal Calibration

Thermal calibration is available for customers operating across wide temperature ranges or requiring improved sensor stability.

Using a thermally controlled chamber, onboard sensors including gyro, accelerometer, and barometric pressure sensors are calibrated from -20°C to +60°C. This process corrects for sensor bias caused by changing operating temperatures and provides more stable sensor data.

Each calibrated autopilot includes:

• Thermal calibration test report
• Raw data and calculated offset information
• Parameter file with calibration details applied

Edge Compute Option

For customers requiring onboard processing, AI/ML workflows, computer vision, autonomy development, or payload-side data processing, the Albatross can be configured with an optional NDAA-compliant edge compute package.

Applied Aeronautics offers integration of the ARK Jetson Orin NX NDAA Bundle, a pre-flashed onboard compute kit built around the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16 GB module. This option enables advanced onboard processing for missions where real-time analytics, autonomy, or reduced reliance on downlink bandwidth are important.

Edge Compute Package May Support

• Real-time image processing
• Object detection
• Computer vision workflows
• Sensor fusion
• AI/ML model deployment
• Autonomy development
• Payload-side analytics
• Data processing in communications-limited environments

ARK Jetson Orin NX NDAA Bundle Includes

• ARK Jetson Pixhawk Autopilot Bus Carrier
• ARKV6X flight controller
• NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16 GB module
• 480 GB SSD
• Jetson heatsink and fan
• Optional NDAA-compliant Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3 module with Remote ID over Bluetooth support

Integration details, power requirements, mounting configuration, thermal management, and software stack will vary based on the selected mission, payload, and camera configuration. Contact Applied Aeronautics to confirm compatibility with your selected payload and communications package.

Command, Control & Connectivity Options

The standard Albatross command-and-control range is approximately 1 km. Customers requiring additional range, redundancy, or BVLOS-oriented connectivity can select from several communications upgrades.

Standard Telemetry and Control

The standard telemetry and control package provides approximately 1 km of command-and-control range.

• Approximate range: 1 km
• Telemetry and control link included
• U.S. modules supplied unless otherwise requested

Range varies based on RF environment, terrain, antenna setup, and operating conditions.

Long-Range Package

The long-range package increases command-and-control range using a long-range UHF RC transmitter module, receiver, and two long-range telemetry units.

• Up to 40 km range
• 20+ mile capability
• Long-range UHF RC transmitter module and receiver
• Two long-range telemetry units
• Encrypted telemetry link
• Bidirectional RC link
• Separate RC communication channel as backup fail-safe
• RC frequency: 433 MHz
• Telemetry frequency: 900 MHz

If alternate frequencies are required, Applied Aeronautics must be notified before the build begins.

Redundant LTE/5G Package

The redundant LTE/5G package is designed for customers requiring enhanced BVLOS connectivity and communications redundancy.

• 4 x redundant LTE/5G communication links
• Fallback RF link at 900 MHz
• Designed for high-confidence BVLOS connectivity
• Up to 99.8% connectivity uptime

Actual performance depends on cellular coverage, RF environment, system configuration, terrain, and operating conditions.

Laser Altimeter Options

The Albatross uses a compact optical distance measurement sensor to assist with autonomous takeoff and landing. Customers may select the standard laser altimeter or upgrade to a longer-range option for additional accuracy.

Standard Laser Altimeter

• 40 m range
• Supports autonomous takeoff and landing

Upgraded Laser Altimeter

• 120 m range
• Provides additional accuracy for takeoff and landing operations

Ground Control Options

Missions can be planned and executed from an existing laptop or desktop computer running Mac, Windows, or Linux. Applied Aeronautics also offers dedicated ground control options for customers who prefer an integrated field-ready system.

Tablet Ground Station

The tablet ground station is a portable and easy-to-use option for short-range VLOS missions.

• Plan missions
• Execute missions
• Monitor aircraft status
• Suitable for VLOS and short-range operations

Dual-Screen Rugged Ground Control Station

The dual-screen GCS is a ruggedized ground control station designed for professional field operations.

• Ruggedized dual-screen setup
• Daylight-readable displays
• Payload gimbal joystick
• 128 GB storage
• Integrated Pelican carrying case

RC Remote

Applied Aeronautics recommends adding an RC remote to any Albatross UAV. The RC remote supports setup, testing, and manual control if operator intervention is required.

Customers who wish to use an existing RC remote should contact Applied Aeronautics to confirm compatibility before ordering.

Batteries

The Albatross uses energy-dense lithium-ion batteries for long-endurance flight. The aircraft can be flown with up to three batteries at a time, depending on mission requirements and payload configuration.

• Lithium-ion battery system
• Up to three batteries installed at once
• Each battery adds approximately 1.5 hours of flight time
• Endurance varies by payload, weather, operating conditions, and mission profile

Batteries, charger, RC remote, and camera are not included unless selected as options.

Spare Parts & In-Field Support Kits

Albatross in-field kits are available to help operators maintain uptime during field operations.

In-Field Kit Includes

• 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 propellers

First-Year Support

First-year support is required for all Ready-to-Fly customers. Fleet purchases receive a 50% discount on first-year support for subsequent aircraft, unless those aircraft are built in a different configuration than the first.

Extended support packages are available. Contact Applied Aeronautics for details and pricing.

First-Year Support Basic

Includes:

• 1 hour of onboarding
• Preflight checklist
• 6 total hours of email-based technical support
• Maiden flight log analysis

First-Year Support Pro

Includes:

• 1 hour of onboarding
• Preflight checklist
• Standard Operating Procedures template
• 10 total hours of technical support by email or phone
• Maiden flight log analysis

First-year support is not required for airframe-only purchases. Customers may elect to opt out of support for kit purchases, but no technical support will be provided in that instance.

Remote Training

Remote training is available for customers who want guided instruction on Albatross operation, maintenance, and mission planning.

This package is designed for up to two people and includes one day of remote operational training conducted over Web-X.

Training Covers

• Aircraft operation
• Maintenance overview
• Mission planning
• Preflight procedures
• Post-flight procedures
• Best practices
• Use of Applied Aeronautics’ user manual, checklists, and supporting documentation

Training must be scheduled 6–8 weeks in advance and used within 6 months of order receipt.

Export, Compliance & Operational Notes

The Albatross Ready-to-Fly system may require an export license for shipment to many countries. Applied Aeronautics will file the export license within 7 days of payment receipt when required. Export license processing timelines are controlled by the relevant government authorities and are not controlled by Applied Aeronautics.

Customers are responsible for ensuring that all goods are eligible for import into their country before purchase.

The Albatross Ready-to-Fly system is designed and assembled in the USA. Internal avionics and components may be manufactured in various countries, including the USA, France, China, Mexico, Switzerland, and Australia. Customers subject to country-of-origin, NDAA, or other procurement requirements should contact Applied Aeronautics before ordering. Alternate components may be available to meet specific compliance needs.

The use and operation of this type of product may require licenses, approvals, or authorizations depending on the country of operation. In the United States, use of certain RF equipment may require an amateur radio license or other authorization. Customers are responsible for ensuring that their use of the product complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and RF requirements.

Spare batteries are classified as UN3480 lithium-ion batteries and ship as Dangerous Goods under IATA requirements.

This is an expert-level product. Prior experience with RC aircraft and fixed-wing UAS operations is highly recommended. Moderate setup and sensor calibration may be required upon receipt. Customers with limited fixed-wing UAV experience are encouraged to purchase a support and/or training package.

Important Ordering Notes

The Albatross Ready-to-Fly system does not include the RC remote, batteries, charger, or camera unless those items are selected as options.

Configuration, lead time, and final integration requirements may vary based on selected payload, camera, avionics, communications, edge compute, ground station, and compliance options.

For custom payloads, country-of-origin requirements, NDAA-sensitive configurations, or specialized mission requirements, contact Applied Aeronautics before placing an order.