The US Army tested an AH-64 Apache at Yuma Proving Ground with the ALTIUS-700 drone, showing how launched effects can extend sensing and strike reach.
The US Army carried out a key aviation test on February 26 at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, as part of a wider warfighting experiment announced on March 17. The event focused on improving the combat power of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter by integrating a next-generation drone system designed to extend battlefield reach while reducing risk to soldiers.
During the test, the Apache fired the ALTIUS-700 medium-range launched effect at multiple targets. This marked a major step in combining crewed helicopters with unmanned systems to improve reconnaissance and strike capability.The launches were performed under different conditions to reflect real combat situations.“They accomplished the launches from both a hover and while moving,” said Edgar Castillo, project engineer at YPG. “Hosting this was really good for us and the army.”The demonstration showed how commanders can send drones ahead of manned aircraft. This allows forces to detect threats earlier and avoid exposing pilots and troops to danger during initial contact.Expanding battlefield awareness and strike rangeThe Apache and ALTIUS-700 pairing is designed to push sensing and targeting far beyond the helicopter’s onboard systems. Instead of relying only on what the aircraft can see, the drone can scout ahead, relay data, and even assist in targeting.This approach supports the Army’s shift toward multi-domain operations, where air, land, and networked systems work together as one.The experiment also tested how command and control, sensors, and weapons can be integrated into a single system. This allows faster decision-making and coordinated strikes across units.The Army has been steadily testing such concepts across formations. The goal is to create a battlefield where drones and launched effects operate alongside traditional forces to penetrate and defeat advanced enemies.ALTIUS-700 capabilities in focusThe ALTIUS-700 is a compact but powerful drone built for multiple mission types. It measures about 7 inches in class size, or roughly 7 inches , and can carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.It can stay airborne for about four hours and operate at distances of up to 286 miles . This gives it the ability to cover large areas while supporting long missions.The system also supports signals intelligence and electronic warfare roles. In addition, it can carry a munition payload comparable to the AGM-114 Hellfire missile.This allows it to strike high-value targets such as tanks, armored vehicles, ships, and infrastructure with precision.Earlier tests showed that the ALTIUS-700 could also be launched from a Black Hawk helicopter, proving its flexibility across platforms.Large-scale warfighting experimentThe Apache test was part of the Cross-Domain Fires Concept Focused Warfighting Experiment. This effort was led by the Aviation Future Capability Directorate and included multiple locations such as Fort Sill in Oklahoma and White Sands Missile Range.The campaign brought together Army personnel, soldiers from the 1st Armored Division, and industry partners. Over three weeks, teams conducted complex tactical scenarios while maintaining efficient testing and evaluation.“From the get-go, YPG helped facilitate our test,” added Josh Higgins, senior director of army aviation strategy at Anduril Industries. “My whole team had never had such a tremendous experience like this at a private range or government facility.”The experiment reflects a broader shift in how the Army plans to fight future wars. Instead of using systems separately, it aims to connect aircraft, drones, artillery, and networks into a unified combat system.
ALTIUS-700 Apache Apache Helicopter Drone Drone Intelligence
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