Albatross USA

The Albatross-US is the NDAA-compliant variant of Applied Aeronautics’ flagship Albatross fixed-wing UAS platform. Designed, assembled, and configured in the United States, the Albatross-US is built for customers with domestic sourcing, defense, public safety, and government procurement requirements.

This advanced fixed-wing UAS can be configured for long-range defense and government applications, including reconnaissance, training, test range operations, asset inspection, research and development, and other professional mission profiles requiring endurance, payload flexibility, and secure command-and-control.

Each Albatross-US system is custom-built to order, ground-tested prior to delivery, and configured with NDAA-compliant avionics and communications options.

Key Features

• NDAA-compliant fixed-wing UAS platform
• Built, assembled, and configured 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 setup, 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
• Long-range AES-256 encrypted command-and-control link included as standard
• 120 m laser altimeter included as standard
• Compatible with QGroundControl mission planning software
• Configurable with EO/IR, thermal, survey, video, LTE/5G, rugged ground station, and onboard edge compute options

Specifications

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

Payload & Camera Options

The Albatross-US can be configured with a range of payload and camera options for ISR, mapping, inspection, and research applications. Listed camera options are designed to integrate with the aircraft’s autopilot and mission workflow.

If no camera is selected, the aircraft will ship without a camera.

Survey Camera

A lightweight survey camera option for aerial mapping and image collection.

• 20.1 MP resolution
• Automatic in-flight geotagging
• Pixhawk-compatible triggering
• Weight: 72 g
• Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 7 in

FLIR Vue Pro Thermal Camera

A lightweight thermal imaging option for inspection, monitoring, search, and heat detection 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 lightweight ISR payload for customers requiring stabilized day/night imaging.

• 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-US 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-US 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.

Long-Range Video

The long-range video package uses high-powered transmit/receive equipment and high-gain antennas to extend live video range.

• Live video feed from aircraft to ground station
• High-powered transmit/receive equipment
• High-gain antennas
• Approximate video range: up to 10 km

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

Autopilot & Avionics

The Albatross-US includes an NDAA-compliant autopilot running PX4-compatible flight control software.

Standard NDAA-Compliant Autopilot

The standard Albatross-US autopilot configuration provides autonomous mission capability using NDAA-compliant flight control hardware.

• NDAA-compliant autopilot included as standard
• PX4-compatible architecture
• Autonomous takeoff, mission execution, and landing
• Parameter files provided
• Compatible ground control software provided at no charge

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-US can be configured with an optional NDAA-compliant edge compute package.

Applied Aeronautics offers integration of the ARK Jetson Orin NX NDAA Bundle, a compact onboard compute package 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
• AI/ML model deployment
• Sensor fusion
• 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

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

Command, Control & Connectivity

The Albatross-US ships standard with a long-range AES-256 encrypted command-and-control link.

Standard Long-Range Encrypted C2 Link

• Long-range command-and-control capability
• AES-256 encrypted C2 link
• Approximate communication range: 30 miles
• U.S. modules supplied unless otherwise requested in order notes

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

Redundant LTE/5G Package

For customers requiring enhanced BVLOS-oriented connectivity, the Albatross-US can be configured with a redundant LTE/5G communications package.

• 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

The Albatross-US includes a compact optical distance measurement sensor used to assist with autonomous takeoff and landing.

• 120 m range
• Supports autonomous takeoff and landing
• Included as standard on Albatross-US

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 a rugged dual-screen ground control station for customers requiring an integrated field-ready system.

Dual-Screen Rugged Ground Control Station

The dual-screen GCS is designed for professional field operations and rugged mission environments.

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

Batteries

The Albatross-US 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, battery configuration, weather, operating conditions, and mission profile

Batteries and charger 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 Albatross-US 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-US operation, maintenance, and mission planning.

This package is designed for up to two people and includes one day of remote operational training conducted by web conference.

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-US 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-US is designed, assembled, and configured in the United States with NDAA-compliant avionics and communications options. Customers subject to country-of-origin, NDAA, Blue UAS, agency-specific, or other procurement requirements should contact Applied Aeronautics before ordering to confirm the final bill of materials and configuration.

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