The “Altius-M” UAS is produced by okb-sokol (Kazan) along with Transas, and the chief designer is Mr Alyaksandr Gomzin. The development and initial design began in early October 2011, and won the Russian Defense Ministry contest to develop a UAS with a takeoff weight of up to 5 tons (the other bidder was RAC, the Russian manufacturer of the MiG aircraft). The contract for the research and development of the “Altius -M” is worth 28 million dollars (billion roubles).
According to the report, the experimental model should begin flight tests during 2014-2015. The assembly of the UAS will be conducted by CAPO-composites.
According to militaryrussia.ru website, the UAS weighs about 5,000 kg, has a range of 10,000 km and is capable to stay aloft for 48 hours. It will include electro-optical payloads and a radar system. The aircraft is driven using two RED A03 type diesel. Details about arming of the UAS have not yet been revealed, but it appears that this is a UAS with offensive capabilities.
Source: Israel Defense