Russia's new Altius-U long-duration unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been equipped with a satellite communication channel in order to increase its range, an informed source in the Russian military-industrial complex told Sputnik.

"The UZGA [Ural Works of Civil Aviation plant] has completed the testing and development of an experimental long-duration Altius UAV, which includes the on-board function of transmitting control commands to the UAV and reconnaissance data from the UAV to the ground via a satellite communication channel," the source said.

The 7-tonne drone, capable of carrying up to two tonnes of payload made its maiden flight in August.

Take-off and landing are carried out using a three-leg retractable wheeled chassis. The flight, including the take-off and landing stages, can be performed automatically.

Since 2011, Russia has been developing the Altius UAV, which is able to stay in the air for a long period of time.

In 2018, the project was transferred to the Kazan division of UZGA.

The aircraft was first presented at the defence industry forum Army 2015.