Quick Answer
The ZOHD Altus VTOL is a 980mm wingspan EPP foam plane with a tri-motor system for vertical take-off and landing. No runway, no catapult, no broken props from hand-launching. It cruises as a fixed-wing for efficiency, then flips to hover mode to land in a space the size of a picnic blanket. You need a flight controller running ArduPilot or iNav, a 4S battery, and an 8-channel radio to complete the PNP kit.
Why VTOL Solves the Fixed-Wing Launch Problem
The number one reason people give up on FPV planes is launching. Hand-launching a 1kg-plus aircraft in a crosswind is genuinely difficult, and we have written about why hand-launching fails for anything heavier than a small foamie. The Altus VTOL eliminates the problem entirely.
The tri-motor configuration uses two 2204-1870KV motors mounted on tilt servos and a third motor on the tail. For take-off, the wing motors point up for lift alongside the tail motor. Once airborne, the wing motors tilt forward 90 degrees for efficient cruise, and the tail motor shuts off. This tilt-rotor approach keeps the airframe level through the transition, which is easier on the autopilot than a tail-sitter design.
What the PNP Kit Includes
The ZOHD Altus VTOL PNP arrives with the airframe, three pre-installed 2204 motors, three 30A ESCs with 5V 2A BEC, four wing and V-tail servos, two VTOL tilt servos, and four 3-blade 5x4.2x3 props. EPP foam with carbon fibre spars keeps things light, with a flying weight around 1100-1300g depending on battery.
What is NOT included: the flight controller. You need a board capable of VTOL firmware. We pair ours with the SpeedyBee F405 Wing APP, which has enough UARTs for GPS, telemetry, and receiver plus dedicated servo outputs for the V-tail mix.
Firmware: iNav or ArduPilot?
Both support the tri-motor VTOL configuration, but they differ in complexity.
iNav is easier for first-time VTOL builders. The setup wizard handles motor mixing and tilt servo ranges with minimal fuss. Our iNav setup guide walks through the full process. ArduPilot offers more granular tuning for the hover-to-cruise transition, which matters for heavier payloads or mapping missions. See our firmware comparison for the full breakdown.
For most pilots, we would start with iNav. Get it flying, understand the transition behaviour, then consider ArduPilot if you need mission planning.
Power and Range
The battery bay fits a 4S 2200-3700mAh LiPo for sport flying or a 4S2P 7000mAh 18650 Li-Ion pack for long endurance. With Li-Ion, 40+ minute flights are achievable in cruise mode because the forward motors barely work once the wing is flying. The hover phase is the battery killer: all three motors pull hard during vertical flight.
For radio, you need at least 8 channels for flight modes, the VTOL transition switch, and camera tilt. We fly ours with an RadioMaster Pocket Crush on ELRS 2.4GHz, paired with DJI Goggles N3 or Walksnail Avatar Goggles for video.
What Catches First-Time VTOL Builders
The glue-free assembly is quick. Wings click on with quick-release mounts, and the whole plane fits in a backpack. But three things catch people:
Centre of gravity is non-negotiable. A few grams off and the hover becomes unstable. We use linkage stoppers and control surface hardware from our RC aircraft range to get throws exact before the first flight.
GPS placement matters. Keep the GPS module as far from motors and ESCs as possible. Carbon fibre spars create interference.
Practice the transition at altitude. The first time you flip from hover to forward flight, do it at 30 metres minimum. If the transition fails, you need room to recover.
Who Should Buy the Altus VTOL
If you fly fixed-wing FPV and are tired of launch logistics, this is your next plane. If you fly multirotors and want longer flight times without giving up tight landing spots, the Altus bridges both worlds. It is not a beginner's first aircraft, but it is the most accessible VTOL at this price point.
For first-time fixed-wing builders, our build guide covers the fundamentals. Browse our fixed-wing drone range or R/C aircraft collection for alternatives.
FAQ
Q: Can I fly the Altus without the VTOL system?
A: Yes. Fly it as a conventional twin-motor V-tail by skipping the tail motor installation.
Q: What battery gives the longest flight time?
A: A 4S2P 7000mAh 18650 Li-Ion pack for maximum cruise endurance. For balanced performance including hover authority, a 4S 3700mAh LiPo at 75C or higher.
Q: Do I need registration to fly the Altus in the UK?
A: Yes. At 1100-1300g flying weight it exceeds the 250g Open category threshold. You need an Operator ID and Flyer ID from the CAA.