Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
General Atomics Altus
Country
Production
1996–
Quantity
2
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
17
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- UAV ClassHigh-altitude long-endurance
- Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
- First Flight1996
- Primary RoleScientific research
- In ServiceNo
◈Airframe4MOD.4
- Length7.2 m
- Wingspan16.5 m
- Max Takeoff Weight966.168 kg
- Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant4MOD.4
- Engine TypeRotax 912
- Number of Engines1
- Electric PropulsionNo
- Propeller / Configurationunknown
◇Performance6MOD.6
- Top Speed185.184 km/h
- Cruise Speed129.629 km/h
- Service Ceiling17,404 m
- Range740.8 km
- Endurance24
- Maximum Payload150 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
- EO/IR SensorNo
- SAR / GMTI RadarNo
- SIGINT PayloadNo
- Laser DesignatorNo
- Sensor Payload Weight150 kg
- Comms RelayYes
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
- Control TypeRemotely piloted
- Satellite (BLOS) LinkNo
- Autonomous CapableNo
- Swarming CapableNo
- Automatic Takeoff/LandingNo
▲Production3MOD.3
- Total Built2
- Operators2
- Variants2
◎Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1996
- Operational StatusRetired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1996Production started
30
years in service
2
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
62RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES17POST-COLD WAR · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES909UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS126PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE1terms
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources