Drone Altimeter
smartmicro Sensors for Airborne Applications
smartmicro radar altimeters deliver precise altitude measurement for small UAV platforms in demanding airborne environments. The sensor combines low weight, low power consumption, and high accuracy with robust performance against interference, making it ideal for reliable and scalable drone operations.
Precise altitude measurement for modern UAV platforms
This compact radar altimeter is optimized for small drones and delivers highly accurate height-above-ground data across a wide range of flight conditions. With dual-mode operation, seamless autopilot integration, and production-ready hardware, it enables reliable performance in both standard and challenging environments.
Drone Altimeter
- 76-77 GHz radar technology
- Made in Germany
- Altitude up to 175 meter
- Unbreakable, lightweight design (274g)
- For small drones in GNSS-denied environments
- Plug-and-play integration with PX4 and Ardupilot systems
- DroneCAN compatible
- Automatic dual mode operation
Accurate altitude measurement
Provides precise and stable height-above-ground data for UAV platforms across a wide range of operating conditions.
Lightweight and efficient design
With only 274 g weight and low power consumption, the sensor is ideal for compact drone platforms with strict SWaP requirements.
Seamless system integration
Designed for straightforward integration into modern UAV architectures, supporting common autopilot environments.
Reliable in challenging conditions
Maintains stable performance in environments with poor visibility, complex terrain, or electromagnetic interference.
Robust airborne design
Engineered to withstand vibration, shock, and temperature variations typical in airborne applications.
Ready for scalable deployment
Built on mature hardware, available in high volumes and suitable for series production.
Reliable altitude sensing where other sensors fail
Radar altimeters measure true height above ground independently of environmental conditions, ensuring safe and reliable operation for airborne platforms.
Works in fog & dust
Works over water
Works in darkness
Flexible Integration and Customization Options
- Customization options (housing, connectors, weight optimization)
- Conformal integration into aircraft
- Additional interfaces (Ethernet or RS485) and protocols
- Adjustable altitude and speed limits
- Frequency agility and duty cycle optimization
- Output data:
- Altitude tracking
- Raw radar data (e.g. for AI processing)
- First and ground reflection
- High electromagnetic susceptibility robustness
- Extend maximum altitude up to 500m
Designed for European Manufacturers
Specifically developed for European drone manufacturers:
- Made in Germany
- ITAR-free, not dual-use classified
- Operates in the 76–77 GHz band approved in Europe
- Available in high volume and in full production
Designed for a wide range of airborne applications
Industrial UAVs
Precise altitude sensing for inspection and survey drones.
Small UAVs & MAVs
Lightweight radar altimeters for compact aircraft.
Helicopters
Reliable altitude awareness during low-level flight.
Fixed-wing aircraft
High-speed flight environments requiring accurate altitude measurements.
Performance Overview
| | Drone Altimeter |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 76…77 GHz |
| Minimum Height | 1m |
| Altitude | up to 175 meter |
| Field of View: Azimuth | -16…+16° |
| Speed Accuracy | ≤ 0.1m/s |
| Update Cycle Time | ≤ 55ms |
| Power Consumption | 3.75…5W |
| Connector | Hirose LF10 series |
| Interface | DroneCAN via 1 Mbit CAN |
| Weight | ≤ 274g |
| Dimensions (H/W/D) | 94.7 x 84.4 x 26.4mm | 3.7 x 3.3 x 1in (plus connector) |
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- Drone Altimeter
Technical specifications and performance data of the Drone Alitmeter.
