ALTI Unmanned Aircraft Systems — Knysna, Western Cape

ALTI Unmanned Aircraft Systems operates as a manufacturer of advanced VTOL unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in Knysna, Western Cape. The company focuses on innovative, all-electric drone platforms designed to support high-end operations across security, conservation, agriculture and related civil applications. The core emphasis is on creating long-endurance, capable aircraft solutions that can be produced in South Africa and accompanied by in-country training to ensure reliable long-term operation.

The standout offering centres on VTOL UAS designed for demanding field duties. The featured models are positioned to deliver extended flight endurance, substantial operational ranges, and low acoustic signatures, enabling users to perform missions with reduced visibility and disruption. The technology is presented as suitable for both routine monitoring and critical, covert-style tasks, underscoring an emphasis on practical, field-ready performance rather than speculative capability.

In addition to forming the aircraft, ALTI presents a fully embedded service proposition that includes partner-style support for national and regional operations. The organisation highlights in-country manufacturing and training, suggesting a turnkey pathway from initial purchase to full, on-site capability for teams operating within the South African context. The approach implies a close alignment with client mission profiles, ensuring the equipment can be configured for local environmental and operational requirements.

Across its communications, ALTI emphasises applications in wildlife conservation and anti-poaching, alongside broader uses in security and agricultural surveillance. The narrative positions the technology as a force multiplier for conservation teams and wildlife authorities, illustrating how drone systems can extend monitoring capacity, augment data collection, and facilitate rapid response when warranted. This framing places ALTI within a niche that values robust field performance, reliability, and the ability to sustain long missions in challenging settings.

Typical operational contexts described or implied include anti-poaching surveillance, wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment and agricultural oversight. The technology is presented as capable of covering substantial geographic areas, thanks to a claimed 200-kilometre operational range and endurance exceeding three hours at maximum take-off weight. Such specifications suggest suitability for large-property management, national park operations, and other scenarios where continuous aerial data collection is essential.

Customers can expect a pathway that starts with product and capability overview, followed by a tailored deployment that is engineered and manufactured within South Africa. The value proposition includes on-site, in-country training that continues until client teams are fully prepared to operate the system to its full potential. This training emphasis signals a focus on practical proficiency, hands-on practice, and operational confidence in real-world environments.

Main services offered

• Design, manufacture and supply of all-electric VTOL UAS, tailored for security, conservation, agriculture and wildlife surveillance
• In-country, on-site training to achieve full operational capability
• Capability to support anti-poaching and wildlife conservation missions through enhanced aerial surveillance
• Long-endurance aircraft suitable for large-area missions with substantial range and low operational cost

Typical job types and industries (as indicated)

• Wildlife conservation and anti-poaching operations
• Security surveillance and defence-related applications
• Agricultural monitoring and land management
• Large-scale environmental surveillance and habitat assessment

How requests typically work

Requests for ALTI systems appear to follow a path of in-country design, manufacture and training. The emphasis is on delivering a customisable platform that is built to meet specific industry needs, followed by hands-on training conducted within South Africa until teams can operate independently. The process emphasizes practical readiness and real-world applicability, with an implicit focus on deploying technology that integrates smoothly with local operations and regulatory environments.

Customer experience and practical tips

• Expect a locally manufactured solution with in-country training designed to enable immediate field deployment
• Prepare for a collaboration that aligns drone capabilities with regional conservation, security or agricultural objectives
• Consider long-endurance requirements and total cost of operation when selecting a platform
• Factor in the 200-kilometre range and multi-hour flight capability when planning large-area surveillance or data collection tasks

Accessibility and area served

The company is positioned in Knysna, within the Western Cape region of South Africa, and emphasises South African manufacturing and on-site training. The broader operational philosophy suggests applicability to Southern African conservation and security contexts, with practical support designed to enable rapid, capable deployments in nearby environments.

Notes for visitors

While specific business hours are not listed here, potential clients may wish to consider planning discussions during typical business days in the Western Cape. The Knysna area serves as a focal hub for the enterprise, with a stated emphasis on local production and in-country training that supports a reliable, end-to-end customer experience.