Everything You Need To Know About The Freefly Alta X Gen2

In the professional drone sector, reliability, integration and performance define long term value. For operators working in surveying, infrastructure inspection, broadcast production and industrial monitoring, platforms must deliver consistent results in demanding environments. The Alta X Gen2 represents the latest evolution of a proven heavy lift system developed by Freefly Systems, combining raw lifting power with advanced intelligence and modern connectivity.

This article explores how the Alta X Gen2 supports professional operations across the UK, from complex data capture to mission critical aerial workflows.

The Evolution Of A Proven Industrial Platform

The Alta X platform has long been recognised as a dependable carrier for high value sensors and cinema equipment. With the Gen2, the airframe retains its legendary lifting capability while introducing a new digital backbone that improves safety, efficiency and scalability.

At its core, the Gen2 integrates advanced onboard intelligence with an open architecture design. This allows operators to tailor each aircraft to specific project requirements, from endurance focused ferry flights to maximum payload inspection missions.

Rather than being locked into a closed ecosystem, users benefit from a flexible platform that evolves alongside their operational needs.

Skynode Intelligence & Flight Resilience

Modern enterprise drone operations demand more than basic GPS navigation. The Alta X Gen2 is powered by a dedicated Skynode flight controller that enhances positioning accuracy, system monitoring and failsafe behaviour.

Key benefits include:

• Improved resilience in challenging GNSS environments
• Precise waypoint navigation for repeatable surveys
• Intelligent failsafes for mission continuity
• Enhanced system diagnostics for preventative maintenance

For UK operators working around infrastructure, ports, rail corridors and urban assets, this level of flight reliability supports safer and more predictable operations.

Smart Dovetail Interface & Payload Connectivity

Payload integration often defines the true performance of an industrial drone. The Gen2 introduces the Smart Dovetail interface, a quick connect system that delivers both high power output and high speed data communication directly to mounted sensors.

This interface enables:

• Rapid payload swapping in the field
• Secure mechanical mounting
• High bandwidth data transfer
• Centralised power management

As a result, operators can transition between LiDAR, mapping cameras, gimbals and specialist sensors without lengthy reconfiguration processes.

Pilot Pro Ecosystem & Controller Design

Precision control remains essential when operating high value payloads. The Alta X Gen2 is optimised for use with the Pilot Pro controller, designed specifically for enterprise and cinematic missions.

Constructed from aerospace grade aluminium, the controller supports demanding field use while offering refined ergonomics.

Key features include:

• Customisable triggers and controls
• Low latency long range communication
• Integrated gimbal and camera management
• Hot swappable external batteries
• Real time telemetry display

Hot swap battery capability enables continuous operation without powering down, supporting high productivity on multi sortie inspection and filming projects.

Payload Configuration & Dual Mounting Options

The Gen2 platform supports both top mounted and bottom mounted payloads using an integrated quick release system.

This dual mounting capability allows operators to adapt quickly to different mission profiles:

• Skyview mounting for horizon based filming and mapping
• Groundview mounting for underside inspections and confined space monitoring

For bridge surveys, building facade inspections and industrial plant assessments, this flexibility reduces the need for additional aircraft types.

Reliability & Compliance Standards

Professional operators require confidence that their equipment meets regulatory and operational standards. The Alta X Gen2 is engineered as a long term industrial asset, backed by extensive validation testing.

Key reliability features include:

• NDAA compliance for sensitive and government related operations
• ActiveBlade vibration suppression reducing mechanical noise
• Robust performance testing methodology
• Weather sealed construction for all season use

ActiveBlade technology plays a particularly important role in data quality. By reducing vibration to a fraction of typical industry levels, it supports sharper imagery, cleaner LiDAR point clouds and improved sensor longevity.

Payload Performance & Endurance Profiles

One of the defining strengths of the Alta X Gen2 is its ability to deliver consistent flight times across a wide range of payload weights.

Typical performance profiles include:

Zero Payload Endurance

With no external payload, the aircraft can achieve up to 50 minutes of flight time. This is ideal for ferry missions, system checks and extended positioning flights.

Lightweight Mapping Payloads

With a 1.3 kg mapping camera payload, endurance remains close to 44 minutes. This supports large area photogrammetry and corridor mapping workflows.

Medium Payload Operations

At approximately 9 kg, suitable for LiDAR systems and professional gimbals, flight time averages around 22 minutes. This balances coverage and sensor capability.

Maximum Heavy Lift Missions

With payloads approaching 15 kg, flight times remain around 10 minutes. This enables specialist inspections, multi sensor rigs and NDAA compliant payload packages.

These profiles allow operators to plan missions accurately and optimise resource deployment.

Built For Advanced Sensor Integration

The Alta X Gen2 is designed as an open architecture carrier capable of supporting high performance sensors across multiple industries.

LiDAR Systems

The platform can carry helicopter grade LiDAR systems for extended durations. The Smart Dovetail interface ensures stable data transmission, enabling centimetre level accuracy in point cloud generation.

Mapping Cameras

High resolution mapping cameras can be operated for extended flights, improving efficiency on large infrastructure and land surveying projects. Integrated mission planning tools support automated coverage and repeatability.

Mōvi Carbon Stabilisation

For broadcast and commercial production, the Mōvi Carbon gimbal delivers stable imagery at long focal lengths. Enhanced telemetry feedback allows pilots and camera operators to coordinate precisely.

High Speed Imaging

The upgraded data pipeline supports high frame rate capture, enabling specialist research, industrial analysis and cinematic slow motion production.

Industrial Lighting Systems

The robust power distribution network supports heavy duty LED arrays for aerial lighting applications, including emergency response, inspection in low light environments and temporary site illumination.

Applications Across UK Professional Sectors

The Alta X Gen2 supports a wide range of commercial and public sector use cases in the UK.

Common applications include:

• Rail and highway infrastructure inspection
• Energy network monitoring
• Port and maritime surveys
• Construction progress documentation
• Environmental and flood modelling
• Broadcast and commercial production
• Emergency services support

Its combination of endurance, payload flexibility and system reliability makes it suitable for both routine surveys and complex one off missions.

Operational Value For Enterprise Teams

For professional operators, return on investment extends beyond headline specifications. The Alta X Gen2 delivers value through reduced downtime, improved data quality and scalable integration.

Key operational advantages include:

• Faster deployment through modular payload mounting
• Reduced maintenance issues via vibration control
• Higher mission success rates through intelligent failsafes
• Lower fleet complexity by replacing multiple aircraft types
• Extended service life through industrial grade construction

These factors contribute directly to improved profitability and client confidence.

FAQs

What is the maximum payload capacity of the Alta X Gen2

The Alta X Gen2 supports payloads of up to approximately 15 kg, depending on configuration and mission profile.

How long can the Alta X Gen2 fly with LiDAR equipment?

With medium weight LiDAR systems, typical flight times are around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on sensor weight and environmental conditions.

Is the Alta X Gen2 suitable for UK CAA regulated operations?

Yes. When operated by qualified pilots and integrated into approved operational frameworks, the platform supports professional and enterprise missions in the UK.

Can the Alta X Gen2 be used for mapping and photogrammetry?

Yes. The aircraft supports high resolution mapping cameras and automated mission planning tools for accurate photogrammetry workflows.

Does the Alta X Gen2 support dual operator control?

Yes. The Pilot Pro ecosystem enables coordinated pilot and payload operator control for complex inspection and filming missions.

Is the Alta X Gen2 weather resistant?

The airframe is weather sealed and designed for operation in challenging environments, although flight planning should always consider safety limits.

How quickly can payloads be swapped in the field?

The Smart Dovetail interface enables rapid payload changes, typically within minutes, without specialist tools.

Conclusion

The Freefly Alta X Gen2 represents a mature and highly capable heavy lift platform for professional drone operations. By combining proven airframe performance with intelligent flight systems, advanced connectivity and flexible payload integration, it supports demanding industrial and commercial missions across the UK.

For organisations seeking a scalable, reliable and future ready aerial platform, the Alta X Gen2 delivers a compelling balance of power, precision and operational efficiency.

To find out more about how the Alta X Gen2 can support your organisation, email our team at sales@coptrz.com or call us on 0330 111 7177.