Autel Alpha wind limit
Autel’s rated wind resistance, recommended limits in every unit, and what a ground forecast means at 120 m.
Autel rates the Alpha for winds up to 12.0 m/s (27 mph, 43 km/h, Level 6). A steady 20 mph (8.9 m/s) at flight height is 75% of that rating, which our score calls Marginal. For a comfortable margin keep sustained wind at altitude under 7.2 m/s (16 mph) and estimated gusts under 9.6 m/s (21 mph).
Wind limits in every unit
Our default go/no-go thresholds are a share of the maker’s rating: sustained wind up to 60% is within your limits, up to 85% is marginal; estimated gusts up to 80% are within, up to 100% marginal.
| m/s | km/h | mph | knots | Beaufort | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autel’s max wind rating | 12.0 | 43 | 27 | 23 | 6 |
| Sustained wind: within your limits up to (60%) | 7.2 | 26 | 16 | 14 | 4 |
| Sustained wind: marginal up to (85%) | 10.2 | 37 | 23 | 20 | 5 |
| Estimated gusts: within your limits up to (80%) | 9.6 | 35 | 21 | 19 | 5 |
| Estimated gusts: marginal up to (100%) | 12.0 | 43 | 27 | 23 | 6 |
What a ground forecast means at 120 m
Most forecasts give wind at 10 m. Higher up it is stronger. With the standard power law (α = 0.14 over open land by day, about 0.25 at night or over towns and forest), here is the sustained wind the Alpha meets at 120 m (400 ft), and how our score rates it. Altiwind uses the model’s own 80, 120 and 180 m winds where they exist.
| Wind at 10 m | 120 m, open land by day | Score | 120 m, night or urban | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 km/h (6 mph) | 14 km/h | Within your limits | 19 km/h | Within your limits |
| 15 km/h (9 mph) | 21 km/h | Within your limits | 28 km/h | Marginal |
| 20 km/h (12 mph) | 28 km/h | Marginal | 37 km/h | Outside your limits |
| 25 km/h (16 mph) | 35 km/h | Marginal | 47 km/h | Outside your limits |
| 30 km/h (19 mph) | 42 km/h | Outside your limits | 56 km/h | Outside your limits |
| 35 km/h (22 mph) | 50 km/h | Outside your limits | 65 km/h | Outside your limits |
| 40 km/h (25 mph) | 57 km/h | Outside your limits | 74 km/h | Outside your limits |
Sustained wind only. Gusts come on top: Altiwind adds the forecast 10 m gust excess (gust minus mean, never less than 20% of the wind), so check the estimated gusts too. See wind at altitude and gust forecast. UAV Forecast also shows wind by height: how it compares with Altiwind.
Cold weather
Autel rates the Alpha down to -20 °C. Batteries lose capacity in the cold well before that, so Altiwind marks every hour below 5 °C as marginal with a battery warning, and below -20 °C as outside your limits. More in flying drones in cold weather.
Rain and moisture
With an IP55 rating the Alpha is built to cope with some water, so Altiwind scores rain by the amount (up to 2.5 mm an hour within your limits) instead of the chance of rain. See fog, rain and humidity.
Similar drones
- Autel EVO II Pro V312.0 m/s
- Autel EVO II 8K12.0 m/s
- Autel EVO II Pro 6K12.0 m/s
- Autel EVO Max 4T12.0 m/s
- Autel EVO II Dual 640T V310.7 m/s
- Autel EVO Lite10.7 m/s
Sources
- Autel Alpha specifications (maker)
Large industrial drone, not consumer. 6480 g including battery, DG-L35T gimbal and propellers (5535 g without the gimbal). Wind: 10.7 m/s takeoff/landing, 12 m/s cruise. Unveiled at Japan Drone in June 2023 (Autel news); the launch press release came in Mar 2024.
FAQ
Can the Autel Alpha fly in 20 mph wind?
20 mph is 8.9 m/s, 75% of the 12.0 m/s rating from Autel. Altiwind scores that as marginal for sustained wind at flight height. Gusts and the stronger wind higher up matter too.
What is the Autel Alpha’s wind resistance level?
12.0 m/s (43 km/h, 27 mph), which is Level 6 on the Beaufort scale. That is the most the drone is designed to handle, not a comfortable working wind.
Can the Autel Alpha fly in cold weather?
Autel rates the Alpha down to -20 °C. Batteries lose capacity in the cold well before that, so Altiwind marks every hour below 5 °C as marginal with a battery warning, and below -20 °C as outside your limits.
Is the Autel Alpha waterproof?
Autel states an IP55 rating.