According to a list of military equipment delivered to Ukraine published by the United States Department of Defense, updated on April 4, 2023, the Ukrainian armed forces have received the Altius-600M UAS loitering munition produced by the American company Anduril Industries.
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In the video, the ALTIUS-600M loitering munition is seen hitting a container target. (Picture source Screen Shot video footage Anduril Industries)
On April 3, 2023, the American company Anduril Industries posted a video on its YouTube account showing the Altius-600 UAS loitering munition destroying a container target. This loitering munition is designed to accommodate multiple seeker and warhead options while doubling the loitering time and range of current market offerings.
The ALTIUS-600M is a cutting-edge loitering munition designed to offer superior capabilities compared to existing options in the market. With its flexible design, the ALTIUS-600M accommodates a variety of seeker and warhead options, effectively doubling the loitering time and range of its competitors. Combining best-in-class range, payload, and endurance, the ALTIUS-600M is poised to revolutionize modern warfare by providing versatile and efficient support to military operations.
The ALTIUS-600M stands out from its competitors by offering an impressive range of 440 km (276 miles) and a loitering endurance of over 4 hours. This extended range and loitering time provide military forces with the flexibility to conduct prolonged surveillance and reconnaissance missions or to engage targets over a wider operational area. The increased capabilities of the ALTIUS-600M ensure that it can respond effectively to emerging threats and support evolving mission objectives. The drone weighs up to 13.15 kg (27 lbs), making it a relatively lightweight and portable option for military forces.
The Altius-600 UAS loitering munition appears to have a streamlined and aerodynamic design. The fuselage is slender and elongated, while the wings are relatively short and have a slight dihedral angle. The V-tail configuration at the rear of the munition provides stability and control during flight.
The munition seems to have a pusher-propeller configuration, with the propeller located at the rear of the fuselage. This design choice likely helps reduce drag and improve efficiency. The airframe is predominantly white, which may aid in blending with the sky during daytime operations. Overall, the design suggests that this loitering munition prioritizes stealth, efficiency, and maneuverability in order to effectively engage its targets.
One of the key features of the ALTIUS-600M is its adaptable design, which allows for the integration of various seeker and warhead options. This versatility enables the munition to be customized for specific mission requirements, providing a tailored solution for diverse military operations. Whether it's precision targeting or widespread area damage, the ALTIUS-600M can be equipped with the necessary payloads to achieve mission success.
Another advantage of the ALTIUS-600M is its ability to launch from a variety of platforms and altitudes. This flexibility allows the loitering munition to be seamlessly integrated into existing military infrastructure, providing enhanced capabilities to any mothership.
