The Freefly Alta X Gen2 is a heavy-lift professional multirotor designed and assembled in the USA. Combining the proven, rugged Alta X airframe with the same custom Skynode mission computer found in the Astro Max, the Alta X Gen2 delivers enhanced GPS resilience, precise navigation, and intelligent failsafes for the most demanding commercial operations. With a 35 lb (15.9 kg) maximum payload capacity, Smart Dovetail quick-release interface, internal payload bay, onboard 12V/24V power regulation, and ActiveBlade vibration reduction, it supports cinema camera rigs, LiDAR, thermal, multispectral, and custom cargo payloads. This listing is the non-NDAA version — it ships with Standard Remote ID pre-installed and the Freefly Pilot Pro controller with Herelink 1.1 2.4 GHz radio.
A proven heavy-lift platform — engineered for the heaviest payloads, the toughest environments, and the smartest missions.
Features
- Approximately 41.7 minutes of flight time at a 5 lb load and approximately 20 minutes at 20 lb — two 12S flight batteries required per flight (sold separately; six batteries per aircraft recommended for continuous field operations)
- 35 lb (15.9 kg) maximum payload capacity — carry large cinema rigs, advanced sensors, or multiple payloads simultaneously with stability and precision
- Smart Dovetail quick-release payload interface with expanded communication and power pathways — compatible with Freefly and a growing ecosystem of third-party payloads including RGB, thermal, LiDAR, multispectral, and OGI sensors
- 12 mm rail mount system for heavy payloads up to 35 lb, plus Smart Dovetail with isolated mount for lighter payloads up to 3.3 lb (e.g., LR1)
- Removable chassis panels expose an internal cargo bay for custom integrations — onboard Ethernet and regulated payload power simplify compute, radio, and specialty hardware installations
- Freefly Pilot Pro controller with pre-configured Samsung Galaxy Tab, Herelink 1.1 2.4 GHz radio, and live FPV camera feed
- 12V and 24V onboard regulators to power payloads directly without external converters
- Freefly ActiveBlade propeller system reduces vibration to approximately one-fifth of conventional levels for cleaner data collection and smoother footage
- Supports both top-mounted (Skyview) and bottom-mounted (Groundview) payload configurations via integrated quick-release system — ideal for cinema, inspection, mapping, and cargo missions
- Custom Skynode flight controller (same as Astro Max) with enhanced GNSS resilience, precise navigation, and intelligent failsafes tuned for heavy-lift operations
- Built-in LTE modem support for remote operations and data sync where available; optional RTK GPS for centimeter-level positioning
- Standard Remote ID pre-installed and configured for FAA compliance — FAA BVLOS compliant (FCC DA 25-1086)
- Carbon-fiber airframe with weather-resistant design — booms fold to approximately half the aircraft diameter for compact transport; ships in Alta X Gen2 travel case
- Upgraded smart batteries with AS150U connectors for improved flight-time estimation and streamlined ground handling
- Not NDAA / DIU Blue approved — Pilot Pro Herelink radio link is not NDAA compliant. See the NDAA/Blue version if government or DoD compliance is required
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | |
| Max payload capacity | 35 lb / 15.9 kg |
| Max gross takeoff weight | 34.86 kg / 76.85 lb |
| Typical empty weight | 10.86 kg / 23.94 lb |
| Flight time (5 lb payload) | ~41.7 min |
| Flight time (20 lb payload) | ~20 min |
| Number of motors | 4 |
| Propellers | 33×9 in carbon fiber filled nylon folding (CW and CCW), ActiveBlade compatible |
| Unfolded diameter (incl. props) | 2273 mm / 89.5 in |
| Folded diameter | 877 mm / 34.5 in |
| Height | 387 mm / 15.2 in |
| Height (Skyview config) | 434 mm / 17.1 in |
| Payload interface | Smart Dovetail + 12 mm rail mount system |
| Onboard power regulation | 12V and 24V rails |
| Flight controller | Custom Skynode (PX4-based) |
| Flight modes | Manual, Altitude, Position, Mission, Loiter, Orbit, Return |
| GNSS | GPS / GLONASS / BeiDou / Galileo |
| NDAA / DIU Blue | Not approved |
| Remote ID | FAA Standard Remote ID (pre-installed) |
| BVLOS compliance | FAA compliant (FCC DA 25-1086) |
| LTE modem | Yes (where available) |
| RTK GPS | Optional (user-supplied ground station computer required) |
| Operating temperature | –20°C to +50°C |
| Ingress protection | Tested to IP43 equivalent |
| FPV | Yes (live feed on Pilot Pro) |
| Country of manufacture | USA |
| SKU | 950-00173 |
| 12S flight battery (sold separately — two required per flight) | |
| Nominal voltage | 44.4V (12S) |
| Connectors | AS150U |
| Minimum discharge rating | 320 A per battery (20C for 16 Ah pack) |
| Pilot Pro controller | |
| Radio | Herelink 1.1, 2.4 GHz (non-NDAA) |
| Display | Samsung Galaxy Tab (pre-configured, pre-installed) |
| FPV feed | Yes (live view from onboard camera) |
| Alta X Gen2 travel case | |
| Contents | Alta X Gen2 (with 12 mm rails + Smart Dovetail installed), Pilot Pro, spare ActiveBlade props, skid landing gear |
FAQ
What is the difference between the NDAA and non-NDAA versions of the Alta X Gen2?
The non-NDAA Alta X Gen2 (this listing) ships with the Freefly Pilot Pro controller using a Herelink 1.1 2.4 GHz radio, which is not NDAA or DIU Blue approved. The NDAA/Blue version uses a Doodle Labs radio and other NDAA-compliant components, making it suitable for government, public safety, and Department of Defense operations where NDAA compliance is required. If you are unsure which version applies to your use case, contact us before purchasing.
What payloads are compatible with the Alta X Gen2?
The Alta X Gen2 supports a wide range of payloads via the Smart Dovetail quick-release mount (for payloads up to 3.3 lb) and a 12 mm rail system (for heavy payloads up to 35 lb). It supports both Skyview (top-mounted) configurations for horizon-based filming and mapping, and Groundview (bottom-mounted) configurations for underside inspections and confined space monitoring. Compatible payloads include the Freefly LR1 (61 MP Sony RGB), cinema gimbal rigs via Mōvi Pro, LiDAR sensors, thermal imagers, multispectral cameras, and cargo configurations. Contact us to discuss payload options for your specific use case.
Does the Alta X Gen2 support autonomous missions?
Yes. The Alta X Gen2 is powered by a custom Skynode flight controller — the same mission computer used in the Astro Max — supporting autonomous mission planning, telemetry logging, and intelligent failsafes. Flight modes include Manual, Altitude, Position, Mission, Loiter, Orbit, and Return. RTK GPS capability is available as an optional add-on using a user-supplied ground station computer for centimeter-level positioning.
What batteries does the Alta X Gen2 require?
The Alta X Gen2 uses 12S flight batteries with AS150U connectors (sold separately). Two batteries are required per flight. For continuous field operations, we recommend at least one dual-channel charger and six batteries per aircraft. If you cannot charge in the field and need more than three flights, add one pair of batteries per additional flight planned.
What level of pilot skill is required to fly the Alta X Gen2?
The Alta X Gen2 is an industrial heavy-lift drone platform intended for trained commercial operators. Manual Mode proficiency is specifically required for emergency procedures. Professional drone training is strongly recommended before operating the Alta X Gen2 — contact us to discuss training options.
