Freefly Alta X: heavy-lift drone for large cinema cameras
The Freefly Alta X is our heavy-lift drone. It carries around 15 kg of payload and flies camera systems that are too heavy for compact drones – for productions that want to shoot from the air with the same camera as on the ground. The camera hangs below the frame or sits on top – we put together gimbal, camera and lens to your requirements.
Technical data
| Design | Quadcopter, foldable |
| Maximum payload | 15.06 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 34.86 kg |
| Empty weight | 10.86 kg (standard configuration) |
| Ready to fly without payload | around 19.6 kg including batteries |
| Diameter | 1,415 mm without propellers, 2,273 mm with propellers |
| Folded | 877 mm diameter, height 387 mm |
| Propellers | 33 × 9 inches (840 × 230 mm), foldable, carbon-reinforced nylon |
| Drive | 4 motors, 115 rpm/V |
| Batteries | 2 × 12S, 44.4 V nominal voltage |
| Speed | Standard limit 20 m/s (72 km/h) horizontal, 6 m/s climb, 4 m/s descent – configurable |
| Camera mount | Quick release on top (top mount) or bottom |
| Flight control | PX4-based, GNSS with GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo |
| Operating temperature | −20 to +50 °C |
| Protection | tested to IP43 equivalent |
Flight time by payload
| Payload | Flight time |
|---|---|
| without payload | 50 minutes |
| 2.3 kg | 41.7 minutes |
| 4.5 kg | 33.3 minutes |
| 6.8 kg | 26.6 minutes |
| 9.1 kg | 22 minutes |
| 11.3 kg | 18 minutes |
| 13.6 kg | 12.5 minutes |
All values: manufacturer data from Freefly Systems. Flight times are guide values; in practice we plan with a reserve for landing and wind.
Gimbal and camera to your requirements
We build the Alta X around the production’s camera package. We put together gimbal, camera, lens, wireless link and focus motors as required – with your camera or with equipment we bring in for the project.
- Gimbals: for example Freefly MōVI Pro or DJI Ronin 2
- Cameras: cinema cameras such as ARRI Alexa Mini and Alexa Mini LF, RED or Sony FX
- Lenses: primes, zooms and anamorphics, as long as the total weight fits
- Remote control for focus, iris and zoom – so a focus puller can work from the ground
Total weight is what counts: everything together has to stay under 15 kg, and the lighter the package, the longer the flight time. According to Freefly the Alta X flies about 20 minutes with a MōVI Carbon setup of around 10 kg.
Camera on top or below
The Alta X has quick-release mounts on top and below. Below, the camera hangs in the classic position for aerials, chase shots and wide shots. Mounted on top it can look upwards – under bridges, in halls or along façades, where a drone with the camera below cannot go.
Permits and planning
Ready to fly, the Alta X weighs around 19.6 kg according to Freefly. With a large cinema camera and gimbal it usually exceeds 25 kg takeoff weight. In the EU it then no longer falls into the open category but needs an operational authorisation in the specific category. We therefore plan jobs with the Alta X with more lead time than a shoot with the Inspire 3 – we handle the coordination with the authorities.
Alta X or Alta 8?
Compared with the older Freefly Alta 8, the Alta X carries 15.06 kg instead of 9.1 kg of payload according to Freefly. That means more reserve for heavy lenses, focus motors and wireless link – or more flight time with the same camera package.
Crew and set
We put the crew together to match the setup: pilot, camera operator on the gimbal and, if required, a focus puller. For director and agency there is, on request, a large director’s monitor (OSEE Mega 22S) for the live image and radios with headsets for coordination on set.
Booking
The Alta X is only available with our crew and on request. We quote the price based on camera setup, crew size, permit and schedule.
Related pages
- All drones, cameras and lenses
- Equipment rental
- Drone and car-to-car for automotive
- Projects: drone filming, FPV and car-to-car
Frequently asked questions
How much payload does the Freefly Alta X carry?
According to Freefly up to 15.06 kg at a maximum takeoff weight of 34.86 kg. That is enough to fly large cinema cameras with gimbal and lens.
Which cameras can the Alta X carry?
Cinema cameras such as ARRI Alexa Mini and Alexa Mini LF or RED, with a gimbal such as Freefly MōVI Pro or DJI Ronin 2. What matters is that gimbal, camera, lens and accessories together stay under 15 kg. We build the setup to your requirements.
How long does the Alta X fly with a camera?
According to Freefly around 22 minutes with 9.1 kg of payload and around 12.5 minutes with 13.6 kg, up to 50 minutes without payload. In practice we plan with a reserve.
Does the Alta X need a special permit?
As a rule, yes. Ready to fly, the Alta X weighs around 19.6 kg according to Freefly; with a large cinema camera and gimbal it exceeds 25 kg takeoff weight and therefore no longer falls into the open category in the EU. It then needs an operational authorisation in the specific category – so plan with more lead time.
When is an Inspire 3 enough instead of the Alta X?
Whenever full frame with DL lenses suits the project. The Inspire 3 means considerably less effort for permits and logistics. The Alta X is worth it when a specific camera and lens package has to go up in the air.
Get a quote: Alta X
Phone +49 151 22840959 · info@vr-copter.de
Source of technical data: Freefly Systems, Alta X Specs and Freefly documentation (Performance Specs).