June 6, 2025

Freefly Alta X: Advanced Aerial Platform for Public Safety and Government Operations

Written by

Matthew

When public safety agencies need cinema-grade imagery for critical operations—from search and rescue missions to tactical surveillance—the Freefly Systems Alta X delivers the precision and reliability that can make the difference between mission success and failure. 

As part of FLYMOTION's comprehensive drone solutions portfolio, the Alta X represents a significant advancement in professional-grade unmanned aerial systems designed for the demanding requirements of law enforcement, emergency response, and government agencies.

Meeting Public Safety's Evolving Demands

Conducting search and rescue operations in challenging terrain, gathering intelligence for tactical operations, or documenting crime scenes with forensic precision, agencies need platforms that can carry professional-grade cameras and sensors while maintaining the reliability and control necessary for mission-critical deployments.

The Alta X addresses these needs by combining large, efficient propellers with precise flight control systems, enabling operators to deploy heavy payloads—including cinema-grade cameras, thermal imaging systems, and specialized sensors—with the stability and endurance required for extended operations.

Freefly Alta X Overview

The Alta X by Freefly is a state-of-the-art drone engineered to maximize the advantages of large, efficient propellers while maintaining precise control.

This drone is tailored to meet various operational needs through several production configurations or bundles, ensuring a wide range of users, from backup airframe seekers to cinema professionals and industrial operators, can find a suitable match.

Key Highlights

Versatile Configurations

Freefly offers the Alta X in multiple setups to cater to the specific needs of different operators. Whether you need a basic airframe or a fully equipped kit for public safety applications, the Alta X has you covered.

  • Alta X (No Case, Not Gimbal Ready, Aircraft Only): Ideal as a backup airframe or for custom kit building. This package lacks landing gear, radio control equipment, payload vibration damper, and batteries/charger.
  • Alta X (Travel Case, Gimbal Ready, Futaba Radio, FPV System, FRX Pro): Optimized for cinema applications. Includes a travel case, Futaba receiver with controller, FPV camera/transmitter, airside FRX Pro, and pre-installed payload vibration damper. Requires only a Mōvi Pro Essentials Kit and flight batteries with charger to be operational.
  • Alta X (Travel Case, Not Gimbal Ready, Aircraft Only): Designed for pilots to add custom landing gear, payloads, and radio controllers. Ships in the Alta X Travel Case.
  • Alta X (Travel Case, Not Gimbal Ready, Pilot Pro + Herelink RF): Suited for industrial operations requiring the addition of custom landing gear and payloads. Includes Alta X Travel Case and Freefly Pilot Pro Controller (Herelink RF).

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Precision

All Alta X configurations support RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning upgrades, providing centimeter-level accuracy crucial for:

  • Precise crime scene mapping and evidence documentation
  • Accurate search pattern execution in SAR operations
  • Detailed infrastructure inspection and assessment
  • Forensic reconstruction with GPS-precise positioning data

This RTK capability ensures that location data collected during operations meets the precision standards required for legal proceedings and operational planning.

NDAA and Blue UAS Compliance

The Alta X incorporates a US-made PX4 Blue Cube flight controller, addressing critical security and compliance requirements for government agencies:

NDAA Compliance: The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) restricts federal agencies from purchasing certain foreign-manufactured drones due to security concerns. The Alta X's US-made components help agencies maintain compliance with these federal requirements.

Blue UAS Framework: The Department of Defense's Blue UAS program identifies drone systems that meet stringent security and performance standards. The Alta X's PX4 Blue Cube is designed with DIU (Defense Innovation Unit) Blue requirements in mind, featuring:

  • Disabled WiFi for enhanced operational security
  • Firmware restrictions to Blue-qualified versions only
  • Future upgrade compatibility for enhanced compliance features

FAA Integration: As with all professional drone operations, the Alta X supports full integration with FAA Part 107 commercial drone regulations and can accommodate agencies operating under Certificate of Authorization (COA) for expanded operational capabilities.

Advancing Public Safety Capabilities

The Freefly Alta X represents more than just an advancement in drone technology—it's a force multiplier for public safety operations. By combining cinema-grade imaging capabilities with the reliability and compliance features required for government operations, the Alta X enables agencies to gather intelligence, document scenes, and conduct operations with unprecedented precision and capability.

For agencies ready to advance their aerial capabilities beyond standard commercial drones, the Alta X provides a pathway to professional-grade operations while maintaining the security and compliance standards required for public safety applications


FAQs on Freefly Systems

What makes the Freefly Alta X drone suitable for police applications?

The Alta X is designed with large, efficient propellers and precise control mechanisms. It supports various configurations, RTK readiness for accurate positioning, and compatibility with a range of radio controllers, making it ideal for high-end cinema and industrial applications.

What is the significance of the US-made PX4 Blue Cube in the Alta X?

The PX4 Blue Cube ensures compliance with DIU Blue requirements by disabling WiFi and restricting firmware updates to Blue-qualified versions. This feature enhances security and offers future upgrade paths for enhanced compliance and functionality.

Can the Alta X be customized for specific needs?

Yes, the Alta X offers multiple configurations ranging from basic airframes to fully equipped kits. Pilots can add custom landing gear, payloads, and radio controllers to tailor the drone to their specific operational requirements.

What are the RTK capabilities of the Alta X?

The Alta X is RTK-ready, meaning it can be upgraded for precise positioning with the addition of a ground station computer, radio link (FRX Pro), and RTK Ground Module, enhancing its accuracy for demanding operations.

Which configurations are available for the Alta X, and what do they include?

The Alta X is available in several configurations, including:

  • Basic airframe without gimbal readiness.
  • Cinema-ready setup with a travel case, Futaba radio, FPV system, and payload vibration damper.
  • Customizable setup for integrators.
  • Industrial setup with Pilot Pro and Herelink RF controller.

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