Altaeros Unveils the ST-400 Autonomous Aerostat to Meet Customer Demand for Multi-Mission Capabilities
The ST-400 will be able to carry heavier payloads at higher altitudes to aid in critical missions across defense and national security applications.
Fremont, NH – March 4, 2025; Altaeros, a leader in autonomous aerostat technology, announces the ST-400, a new aerostat designed to carry heavier payloads at higher altitudes than previous models. Building on the success of the ST-Flex tactical aerostat, the ST-400 will expand aerial capabilities for homeland security, military operations, and more.
The ST-400 can carry over 900 lbs of mission-critical payloads to altitudes exceeding 2,500 feet above ground level (AGL). With an enhanced rugged design, it excels in long-duration deployments in some of the world’s most challenging environments. The system features Altaeros’ Aerostat Autopilot™, enabling autonomous flight operations—no on-site crew is required for launch, recovery, or day-to-day flight, minimizing human risk.
In response to evolving government and military demands, Altaeros pivoted from previously planned ST-300, adding an additional 200+ lbs of payload capacity with the ST-400. The increased capability addresses emerging government needs for multi-mission systems, including communications, cUAS, radar, ISR, and EO/IR systems for critical missions. The ST-400 will also include Altaeros’ signature quick-connect rail system, ensuring fast payload integration and equipment swaps.
“Right now, we are seeing more demand for technologies such as cUAS, radar, and EO/IR sensors onboard autonomous aerostats than ever before from our government and military partners,” said Altaeros President, Jeff Lloyd-Jones, “We have seen how much of an impact autonomous aerostats have made in our previous deployments for border security missions, and we are excited to be able to enable autonomy on larger aerostats capable of carrying larger payloads at higher altitudes. This new iteration of our autonomous aerostats will be a game-changer for our existing and incoming customers.”
About Altaeros
Altaeros is the world’s leading autonomous aerostat innovator. Altaeros’ patented autonomous control system, Aerostat Autopilot™, eliminates the need for a traditional ground crew to perform all day-to-day aerostat operations including launching, landing, and flight management. By eliminating the ground crew, Altaeros extends mission availability in challenging conditions, while simplifying logistics and operations, and minimizing cost. Altaeros is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts and operates an R&D Center in Fremont, New Hampshire. All Altaeros aerostats are assembled in the USA.
Learn more: www.altaeros.com
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