Ukrainian research and production company Altair Technologies has developed LOKI as a compact fixed-wing loitering munition. The aircraft is designed to engage ground, surface, aerial and stationary targets and to perform missions throughout the year, during the day or at night and in difficult weather.
LOKI represents the lighter end of Ukraine’s expanding unmanned aircraft industry. Its value is based not on a large airframe, but on portability, fast preparation, a small crew and the ability to select a payload for a particular mission.
Compact composite aircraft
The aircraft is 1,050 millimeters long and has a wingspan of 1,500 millimeters. Empty weight without the battery is 2.5 kilograms, while maximum takeoff weight reaches 5.3 kilograms. This allows the platform to remain transportable while carrying a useful mission payload.
The airframe is manufactured from composite materials using a mold-based production process. This approach combines low weight, structural repeatability and the potential for serial manufacturing, while also permitting design changes without rebuilding the entire system architecture.
Payload and mission flexibility
The stated payload range is from 0.7 to two kilograms. The manufacturer describes the platform as capable of working against ground, surface, aerial and fixed targets, meaning the payload can be selected according to the target and operating conditions rather than being permanently built into one configuration.
A modular approach is important for production as well as combat use. One basic aircraft can support several mission variants, simplifying operator training, maintenance and component procurement.
Range and endurance
LOKI has a stated flight range of up to 40 kilometers and endurance of up to 45 minutes. The telemetry channel is also specified for distances up to 40 kilometers, while maximum flight altitude is listed at up to 150 meters.
The electric propulsion system uses a lithium-ion battery. Compared with a larger combustion engine, this configuration reduces maintenance requirements and can lower acoustic and thermal signatures, although real endurance always depends on payload, weather, route and battery condition.
Five-minute field deployment
The aircraft launches from a dedicated ground launcher. Transition from transport configuration takes about five minutes, and the system requires one or two operators. A small crew can therefore relocate, prepare and launch the aircraft without a runway or extensive support equipment.
The basic system includes three electric aircraft, a pneumatic launcher, a ground control station with antenna, controller and laptop, a transport box and a spare-parts kit. Supplying the complete system is important because field readiness depends on launch equipment, communications and maintenance, not only on the aircraft.
Operation under electronic pressure
The design and software are intended to provide resistance to electronic warfare when appropriate operating tactics are followed. This should not be interpreted as complete immunity: performance depends on the navigation configuration, communications channel, route, terrain and intensity of hostile interference.
For a small loitering munition, reducing dependence on one navigation or communication element is critical. The practical value of the system will therefore be determined by how consistently serial units maintain control and mission accuracy in different radio environments.
Manufacturing and investment value
LOKI belongs to a class of relatively light systems that can be manufactured, transported and serviced faster than larger strike aircraft. Its composite airframe, compact launcher and limited crew requirements make it suitable for distributed use and for production in larger numbers.
For partners and investors, the product demonstrates Altair Technologies capabilities in composite structures, launch equipment, ground control, software, pilot training and service. These competencies can support not only one model but a broader family of fixed-wing unmanned systems.
What must be confirmed at scale
The next stage is stable reproduction of the stated specifications across serial production. Range, payload, endurance and resistance to interference must remain predictable between aircraft, while launchers, batteries and control stations need reliable supply and repair procedures.
If the manufacturer can combine serial quality with operator training and lifecycle support, LOKI can occupy a distinct niche between short-range FPV systems and heavier long-range strike aircraft.
