Advancing Unmanned Aerial Systems for Defense and Civil Applications

Founded in 2011, ALTUS LSA has established itself as a prominent Greek developer and integrator of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), delivering comprehensive solutions for defense, security, and industrial sectors. With headquarters in Chania, Crete, and a representative office in Athens, the company has built a robust portfolio of UAS platforms, services, and training programs, catering to a diverse clientele that includes NATO, the European Commission, and various national defense and civil protection agencies.

Company Overview

ALTUS LSA specializes in designing, developing, and producing tailor-made drone solutions that address high-end requirements of the international market. The company’s expertise encompasses land and maritime border surveillance, intelligence gathering, airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), environmental monitoring, natural disaster management, geographic information system (GIS) applications, protection of critical infrastructure, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and aerial target drone applications.

Product Portfolio

ALTUS LSA offers a diverse range of UAS platforms designed for various operational needs:

• EDOMON: A hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV based on the Supervolo Hybrid Project Aerial Platform. EDOMON is designed for reliable and efficient ISR operations in law enforcement, civil protection, and defense markets. It operates with minimal manpower and does not require a runway, making it suitable for harsh environmental and electromagnetic conditions.
• ATLAS 204: A multi-rotor drone system delivering high reliability and mission-oriented capabilities in defense, security, and industrial surveillance applications. It features state-of-the-art mission command systems, encrypted RF links, redundant safety systems, and a reconfigurable payload hub.
• ATLAS 4: Designed for surveillance, industrial monitoring, and small cargo delivery applications, the ATLAS 4 system is built to the highest industrial standards and can operate under harsh environmental and electromagnetic conditions with minimal manpower.
• ATLAS 8H “Kerveros”: A heavy-lifting quadcopter drone capable of carrying up to 50 kg of payload. It is Greece’s first anti-tank drone, equipped with French-made Akeron MP anti-tank guided missiles, providing formidable strike capabilities against armored targets.
• M3NTOR: ALTUS LSA’s proprietary command and control (C2/C3) software suite, serving as the core of its ground control stations (GCS). M3NTOR enables advanced mission planning and execution, supporting the company’s UAS during demanding missions.

Services and Training

Beyond product development, ALTUS LSA provides a range of services to support its UAS platforms:

• Airborne ISR: Offering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services using its fleet of drones, suitable for various applications including border surveillance and environmental monitoring.
• Aerial Works & Cargo: Providing aerial services for cargo delivery and other industrial applications.
• UAS Operator Training: Operating as a UAS training academy approved by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), ALTUS LSA offers certified training programs for UAS pilots, ensuring compliance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.
• Target Drones: Supplying and operating a variety of unmanned aerial target drones, representing a wide range of air defense threats for training and evaluation purposes.

Research and Development

ALTUS LSA is actively involved in research and development, participating in major EU and national research programs. The company’s R&D efforts focus on exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence and advanced command and control software, aiming to enhance the capabilities of its UAS platforms.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

ALTUS LSA has established strategic partnerships to expand its technological offerings and market reach:

• NAVAL Group: Collaborated to integrate heavy-lift UAS onto naval platforms, focusing on ship-to-shore and intra-fleet logistics missions, as well as ISR operations in maritime environments.
• European Defense Agency (EDA), European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and FRONTEX: Engaged in various projects and operations, providing UAS solutions for border surveillance, maritime safety, and defense applications.

Clientele and Market Presence

ALTUS LSA serves a diverse clientele, including:

• NATO
• Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
• European Commission
• Hellenic Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
• Hellenic Fire Service
• Qatar Emiri Air Force
• Israeli Defense Forces
• Hellenic Police
• Cyprus Police
• Hellenic Ministry of Civil Protection
• Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture

The company’s global service and support capabilities have enabled it to maintain a significant presence in the international defense and security markets.

Conclusion

ALTUS LSA has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing unmanned aerial systems for a variety of critical applications. Through its innovative product offerings, comprehensive services, and strategic collaborations, the company continues to contribute significantly to the fields of defense, security, and industrial technology.