Freefly ALTA X User manual

ALTA X
Features
Worlds Toughest Drone Flight Time
Introducing the world's toughest drone: ALTA X.

We’re confident in ALTA X because we
push it to the limit, and then well past -
over and over again so that we know our
customers will have plenty of margin in the
unpredictable real world.
An effort to make ALTA X as light as possible
allows ALTA X to fly MōVI Carbon (20lb
payload) for 25 minutes, or a max payload for 8
minutes. Smaller payload flight times can
exceed 40 minutes
Payload
ActiveBlade
ALTA X can carry up to a 35lb payload
while maintaining a 2:1 thrust to weight
ratio.
Four ActiveBlades reduce the motor
vibrations to 1/5th the normal level. This
innovative solution to reduce vibrations
increases the lifetime of ALTA X and helps
keep any payload stable.
Speed
Easy Deployment
Never worry about keeping up with the
action again, ALTA X has a top speed of
over 60mph (95km/h), just make sure that
the action can keep up with ALTA X!
No assembly required! Using a clever rotating
planar linkage ALTA X folds and unfolds with
ease! This revolutionary feature allows ALTA X
to go from case to flight within minutes,
reducing setup time and minimizing the risk of
misassembly on the job.
Packability
Flight Modes
ALTA X folds to 30% of its full size to fit in
the same case as ALTA 8 while still being
able to carry 175% ALTA 8’s payload. This
case is TSA approved and has been tested
to ensure ALTA X arrives to location ready
to go!
High quality sensors and GPS modules
allow ALTA X to maintain its position and
height even in the most unfavorable
weather conditions providing assurances
during autonomous waypoint missions and
piloted flights.
External Power
Expandability
Five user accessible power expansions
allow ALTA X to power any accessories or
payloads you need to do the job.
Designed with the future in mind, ALTA X is
modular and easily expandable to adapt to
ever changing technology. This expandability
ensures that ALTA X will continue to be state-
of-the-art even after years of service.
Easy Integration
External Computer
ALTA X is designed to be a platform that
can be customized for any aerial need;
from cinema, to forestry, and bridge
inspection, ALTA X is a versatile tool ready
for any challenge.
Some drone applications require real time
onboard computing; ALTA X has the necessary
mounts, power, and I/O so it can be upgraded
with an external computer.
User repairable
Customer Service
In order to keep ALTA X in the field as
much as possible all ALTA X parts can be
bought as spares and replaced onsite. Of
course we will still offer factory checkups
and repair services should they be needed!
Like all Freefly products, ALTA X is backed
by a team of experts ready to answer any
questions and make sure you get the job
done.

We’re confident in ALTA X because we
push it to the limit, and then well past -
over and over again so that we know our
customers will have plenty of margin in the
unpredictable real world.
An effort to make ALTA X as light as possible
allows ALTA X to fly MōVI Carbon (20lb
payload) for 25 minutes, or a max payload for 8
minutes. Smaller payload flight times can
exceed 40 minutes
Introducing ALTA X
ALTA X is a professional multi-rotor aircraft designed for demanding cinematic,
professional, and industrial applications. Completely redesigned from the ground up, ALTA X
is the next generation of the ALTA family. Built for the user, ALTA X emphasizes
expandability and customization to make sure it can stand up to all challenges thrown its
way, while still being the reliable workhorse drone that ALTA pilots know and love.
This Aircraft Flight Manual describes the complete operation of airframe and flight control
systems, and the normal maintenance of those items. Do not operate ALTA X without
reading and understanding this manual.
󰾭 This manual is not a substitute for adequate flight training. Training requirements can vary

when operating in different countries or under different flight conditions. Always consult
local regulations before flying ALTA X. In areas where there are no flight training
requirements, it is the sole determination of the pilot-in-command as to whether he or she
has the appropriate level of training or experience for a given flight. Always set and adhere
to personal minimums and fly within your own capabilities.
Throughout the manual warnings, cautions and notes are used to highlight various
important procedures. These are defined as follows:
{% hint style="danger" %} 󰾭Warnings are used to highlight procedures which, if not strictly
observed, may result in personal injury. {% endhint %}
{% hint style="warning" %} Cautions are used to highlight procedures which, if not strictly
observed, may cause damage to equipment. {% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %} Notes are used to highlight specific operating conditions, usability
tips and tricks or steps of a procedure. {% endhint %}
Legal
Disclaimer and Warning
Please read this disclaimer and warning carefully and review the ALTA X Aircraft Flight
Manual (AFM) prior to flight. If you have any questions, please contact
[email protected] prior to using the ALTA X. You can review the most current
version of this manual on the ALTA X Support Page. By using ALTA X, you acknowledge that
you have read, understand and agree to this disclaimer. You agree that you are solely
responsible for your conduct while using ALTA X, and for any direct or indirect consequences
that may result from its use. You agree to only use ALTA X for proper purposes that are in
accordance with local and airspace rules and regulations.
ALTA X is not a toy and should be operated with extreme care, as improper operation
can cause damage to property, serious personal injury or death.
As with any multi-rotor aircraft, ALTA X is a complex and technical machine. Novice

pilots should invest sufficient time on a flight simulator and seek training from an
experienced pilot prior to operation. The ALTA X Aircraft Flight Manual and a flight
simulator are no substitute for training with an experienced pilot, particularly when it
comes to learning how to safely operate ALTA X. Novice pilots should never fly without
the supervision of an experienced pilot.
Always check ALTA X and its components prior to operation.
Always maintain a safe distance from ALTA X when in use.
Never attempt to touch ALTA X when the propellers are moving.
Never fly ALTA X over or around people, power lines or other aircraft.
Never fly with any propellers that have visible imperfections or damage.
Always keep children and animals a safe distance away from ALTA X when in use and
when changing configurations.
Only use propellers supplied by Freefly Systems that are designed for use on ALTA X.
Always remove the propellers or power ALTA X using a low power source when making
a change to the configuration of ALTA X to prevent propeller strikes in the event of
unintentional motor starts.
Always remove the configuration jumper when making changes to the configuration of
ALTA X.
Always test ALTA X with the propellers removed to make sure that the motors are
spinning in the correct direction and that the motor assignment is correct with respect
to the Autopilot flight controller. If you have either of these wrong, the ALTA X will be
uncontrollable and dangerous.
It is your responsibility to perform a full system check of ALTA X prior to every flight.
It is your responsibility to learn how to safely operate ALTA X and to adhere to all
applicable rules and regulations.
Fly at your own risk.
ALTA X is a tuned system with custom components selected for each application.
Modification, removal, or substitution of ALTA X components will void the warranty
and can lead to unsafe operating conditions.
Limitations of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL FREEFLY BE LIABLE TO BUYER FOR ANY INDIRECT,

CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM THE USE OF ALTA OR FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR
PROFITS (HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY), EVEN IF
FREEFLY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT
SHALL FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR A PRODUCT (WHETHER ASSERTED AS A TORT CLAIM,
A CONTRACT CLAIM OR OTHERWISE) EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID TO FREEFLY FOR
SUCH PRODUCT. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN, IN NO EVENT SHALL
FREEFLY’S LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS
AGREEMENT EXCEED THE AMOUNTS PAID BY BUYER TO FREEFLY FOR PRODUCT IN
THE LAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS. IN NO EVENT WILL FREEFLY BE LIABLE FOR COSTS OF
PROCUREMENT OR SUBSTITUTE GOODS BY BUYER. THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH
HEREIN SHALL APPLY TO ALL LIABILITIES THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THIRD-PARTY
CLAIMS AGAINST BUYER. THESE LIMITATIONS SHALL APPLY NOTWITHSTANDING ANY
FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. Freefly shall not be liable for
damages or injuries incurred directly or indirectly from the use of ALTA X including, but not
limited to, the following situations:
Failure of the operator to follow proper instructions and safety warnings found at
www.freeflysystems.com.
Failure of the operator to understand and operate the aircraft within the operating
limitations described in this manual.
Failure of the operator to follow onboard safety warnings while using ALTA X.
Failure of the operator to follow and comply with local rules and regulations.
Failure of the operator to follow and comply with the local communications law.
Failure of the operator to inspect ALTA X and its components prior to operation.
Failure of the operator to properly maintain and/or service ALTA X through an
authorized Freefly Service Center with genuine ALTA X parts.
Use of third-party products on ALTA X.
Use of ALTA X in a physically or mentally impaired capacity.
Use of ALTA X without sufficient training.
Use of ALTA X in unsafe conditions, including but not limited to, bad or severe weather,
such as rain, wind, snow, lightning, dust storms, etc., or in areas of magnetic or radio
interference, such as power stations, broadcasting and cell phone towers, government

prohibited airspace, etc.
Improper operation, misjudgment or risky behavior while using ALTA X.
Infringement of third party data, audio, or video rights recorded when using ALTA X
Appendix
Specifications
Dimensions
Dimension Length [mm]
Unfolded Diameter (not including props)
1415
Unfolded Diameter (Including Props)
2273
Folded Diameter
877
Height
387

Dimension Length [mm]
Height (Skyview) 434
Powerplant
Number of Motors 4
Motor Max Continuous Power Output 100 A
Motor Max Instantaneous Peak Power Output 130 A (>3s)
Equivalent Kv 115 rpm/V
Propellers
Material Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon
Propeller Orientation (2x) CW and (2x) CCW Props
Propeller Type Folding - 840 x 230 mm (33 x 9in)
Battery
Cells 12S
Nominal Battery Voltage 44.4V
Charged Battery Voltage 50.4V
Battery Connectors XT-90
Required Minimum Battery Discharge
Rating (Per Pack)
320 Amps per battery
(assumes two batteries) 20C for a 16A-
hr pack.
Weight
Maximum Gross for Takeoff 34.9kg
Maximum Payload 15.9kg
Typical Standard Empty Weight 10.4 kg

Flight Controller
Autopilot Name Custom Auterion PX4 flight control stack
Flight Modes Manual, Altitude, Position, Mission, Loiter, Orbit, Return
Supported Inputs MAVlink SDK
Supported Radios Futaba, Spektrum, PX4 compatible SBUS and PPM
receivers
Supported Radio Controller
Telemetry Systems Voltage feed provided for Futaba RX telemetry
Minimum Radio Controller
Channels Required 5 (roll, pitch, yaw, throttle, mode)
Supported GNSS GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo
Lighting and Indication
Orientation Lights Boom tip mounted LEDs
Orientation Light Color
Options
User controlled in software - red, orange, yellow, green, cyan,
blue, purple, white, and off.
FPV Ability Yes, see the FPV integration section for instructions on how
to mount the FPV.
Isolation Systems
Vibration Isolation System Built-in (see chart below for weight suggestions)
Payload [lb] Payload [Kg] Isolator Durometer Cartridge Qty
0 - 3 * 0 - 1.4 30A 3
4 - 10 * 1.8 - 4.5 30A 6
11 - 19 ** 5.0 - 8.6 30A 9
20 - 23 ** 9.1 - 10.4 30A/40A 9
24 - 29 ** 10.9 - 13.2 40A 9
30 - 32 ** 13.6 - 14.5 40A/50A 9

Payload [lb] Payload [Kg] Isolator Durometer Cartridge Qty
33 - 35 ** 15.0 - 15.9 50A 9
>35 *** >15.9 60A 9
Performance Charts
Flight Time v. Payload
Maximum Gross Weight
To determine maximum gross weight, determine flight location pressure altitude and
temperature, and refer to the weight in the chart below. Gross Weight includes payload,
battery and structure weight.