Anduril ALTIUS 700M loitering ammunition reaches testing
General view of the ALTIUS 700M product
Over the past few years, the American company Anduril Industries has been developing loitering ammunition of the ALTIUS family (Agile-Launched, Tactically-Integrated Unmanned System). A year and a half ago, she announced a new product in this line called ALTIUS 700M. To date, this ammunition has reached flight testing and demonstrated its combat qualities.
Latest development
Anduril Industries has been actively involved in the topic of loitering ammunition (AM) since the mid-600s. The first result of such work was the ALTIUS 2021 product. In 700, the next UAV in the series was presented for the first time under the designation ALTIUS XNUMX - in fact, it was a modernized and enlarged version of the previous product. The development company conducted tests and looked for buyers for new equipment.
In October 2022, Anduril Industries announced two further projects. Existing BBs have been modernized using new technologies and solutions, resulting in the ALTIUS 600M and ALTIUS 700M products. As is the case with the basic models, the Altius-700M is larger and heavier than the 600M product, and also has advantages in tactical and technical characteristics. In this regard, the development company immodestly called it the best example of its class.
During 2022-23 work was carried out to improve the design and tests were being prepared. In addition, as we now know, the first flight tests took place during this period. drones in a training configuration. To avoid negative incidents, the products were equipped with an inert warhead.
Launch from a ground launcher
Full testing of the ALTIUS 700M in full combat configuration took place last September at the Dugway Army Proving Ground (Utah). However, their conduct was reported only on March 14, 2024. It is unknown why the tests were not immediately boasted of, and why they were hidden for six months.
test data
However, now they have spoken openly about the events that took place, announced some of their details, and also published a video from the training ground. In addition, and not surprisingly, they noted the highest level of the new project, superiority over other modern warheads and the great prospects of this development.
It is reported that six drones were used in the tests. Half of the products received standard combat units, while the others carried their simulator. Various targets were placed at the training ground, incl. imitating the real equipment of a potential enemy. Thus, the published video demonstrates an AP hitting a mock-up of the Buk anti-aircraft missile system. It is quite clear what they wanted to hint at with such a target.
The development company reports that during testing ALTIUS 700M showed its best performance. All six devices hit their targets with a direct hit. The use of a real warhead, as footage from filming shows, led to the destruction of the mock-ups. At the same time, the ability of a warhead to destroy a real air defense system with a standard warhead has not yet been confirmed.
Tests at the test site were carried out under the supervision of Pentagon representatives. This fact indicates the military department’s interest in the new development and may hint at the prospects of the project. It is likely that the US Army is not only interested in the new development in the field of drones, but also plans to adopt it. Such prospects for the Altius-700M project may become clear in the near future.
Approach to target
Technical features
All products of the ALTIUS series have a similar appearance and design, which is due to the peculiarities of its evolution. The 700M UAV, like its predecessors, is built according to a normal aerodynamic design with an elongated fuselage of variable cross-section, a straight wing and an L-shaped tail. The planes are foldable and open after leaving the launcher.
The fuselage layout is simple. The bow section is used for optical instruments and a guidance system, behind them are the warhead and batteries, and in the tail is an electric motor with a pushing propeller.
Dimensions and weight are not reported. Visually, the wingspan can be estimated at 1,5-2 m. The declared payload is 33 pounds (approx. 15 kg), which indicates two to three times the take-off weight. For comparison, the ALTIUS 700 with a lighter warhead weighs 65 pounds (approx. 30 kg). You also need to pay attention to the fact that the ALTIUS 700M ammunition load is a couple of kilograms more than the starting weight of the “600M” product.
The flight characteristics of the new BB have so far been only partially disclosed. Flight speed unknown. At the same time, the developer indicates the achievement of certain high speeds in the final section of the trajectory. Range is stated at 100 miles or 160 km. Flight duration – 75 minutes. The basic Altius-700, in turn, could remain in the air for at least 2 hours.
The BB/UAV is equipped with a warhead weighing 33 pounds. The possibility of installing charges of different types is declared, but without specifying their features and parameters. We are probably talking about high-explosive fragmentation or armor-piercing ammunition. It is alleged that such warheads are capable of hitting armored vehicles, up to tanks, various buildings, etc.
Detonation of warheads and destruction of mock-target
From the point of view of electronic equipment, ALTIUS 700M is no different from other modern BBs. It has optical aids for ground observation, target search and targeting. Satellite navigation devices and a remote control system are provided. The Altius family uses a unified operator console. Thanks to the Anduril Lattice system, one operator can control several BBs. Probably the latest "700M" is compatible with this control option.
The drone is launched using a ground launcher with multiple rails. Before leaving the container, the planes are in a folded position, and then the UAV acquires a flight configuration. Landing of the device is not provided - in any case, it must hit the target.
It should be noted that in the past Anduril Industries has demonstrated the ability to deploy its BBs on different platforms. In particular, tests were carried out with the launch of the ALTIUS 600 drone from a tubular TPK suspended under the wing of a helicopter. The new product “700M” is characterized by increased dimensions and weight, and it is unclear whether it can be used aviation. At the same time, the developer points out the possibility of using BB both by aviation and fleet.
With unknown prospects
Anduril Industries has currently developed and brought to market several loitering munitions, and also continues to work and create new projects of this kind. In addition, various additional tools and systems are not ignored. At the moment, the main source of pride for the company is the ALTIUS 700M UAV, the largest and most powerful in its family.
Altius-700M has already passed basic tests and demonstrated its combat capabilities on targets. In the near future, the development company will begin to advertise and promote it on the market. This sample will probably find its customer and go into mass production. However, the number of orders and future production volumes remain in question.
Launching the ALTIUS 600 UAV from a helicopter
It is obvious that Anduril Industries in its advertising campaign will refer to the experience of the previous ALTIUS 600 project. This BB successfully reached series production and was even purchased for supplies to Ukraine. The Kiev regime and an American firm have reported successful use of such products against Russian troops, but their assessments are overly optimistic.
Like other foreign-made BBs, Altius did not influence the course of hostilities and did not help the Ukrainian formations. However, advertising materials do not have to fully correspond to the real state of affairs. In addition, it is possible to ensure sales without real application statistics.
Development trends
Thus, Anduril Industries continues to work in the field of loitering ammunition and regularly introduces new models of this class. Judging by the latest projects, it considers its main task to be increasing the flight and combat characteristics of armored vehicles/UAVs by increasing their size and making the combat units heavier. In addition, other systems and tools are being improved.
The appearance of the ALTIUS 700M project shows that American industry remains interested in the subject of loitering ammunition and intends to expand the range of such products. In addition, the Pentagon and military departments of other countries are interested in this topic. All this suggests that the new ALTIUS 700M will not be the last of its kind.
Information