Tethered Drones
Built for Mission-Endurance and Tactical Flexibility
What are tethered drones?
A tethered drone system is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) physically connected to a ground station by a secure cable that supplies continuous power and high-speed data transfer, enabling long-duration flight and stable communications.
Unlike free-flying drones limited by battery life and radio range, tethered UAVs can remain aloft for extended durations—ideal for persistent surveillance, secure communications, and mobile command post operations.
DPI UAV’s tethered systems are engineered for military-grade reliability, delivering elevated situational awareness and communications relay capabilities in dynamic mission environments.
Core Benefits
of DPI UAV’s Tethered Drone Technology for defense and security
DPI UAV’s tethered drone technology is purpose-built to give defense and security forces a decisive edge, combining mission endurance with secure data links for uninterrupted communications. With rapid deployment, mobile integration, and support for modular payloads, these systems adapt to diverse operational needs – while autonomous host tracking ensures reliable performance in dynamic environments.
Mission Endurance
Continuous, tether-powered flight for long-duration overwatch and communications relay.
Secure data links
Low-latency, interference-resistant connectivity via fiber tether for secure C2 and payload data.
Rapid deployment
Airborne in minutes with minimal crew; suitable for time-sensitive operations.
Mobile integration
Operate from moving ground vehicles, maritime vessels, or fixed positions without reconfiguration.
Modular payload support
Integrates EO/IR cameras, comms relay and other sensors.
Autonomous Host Tracking
Auto-follow and auto-tension for hands-free operation in harsh weather and mobile scenarios.
Compare DPI's Tethered UAS
LANTERN
military-grade tethered drone for persistent ISR & BLOS communications
Max altitude
Relative wind speed
System weight
200 feet
33 knots
700 lbs
VULTURE
naval-optimized tethered UAS for persistent over-the-horizon C2
Max altitude
Relative wind speed
System weight
500 feet
35 knots
10,000 lbs
UMAR
maritime tethered drone system engineered for Navy operations
Max altitude
Relative wind speed
System weight
500 feet
35 knots
7,000 lbs
Deployment Scenarios
DEFENSE
Learn how DPI UAV Systems equips defense forces with proven tethered drones engineered for the unique demands of Army and Navy missions, enabling capabilities from persistent ISR in combat zones to secure, extended communications at sea.
SECURITY
Learn how DPI UAV Systems strengthens security forces with mobile, rugged tethered drone solutions for border surveillance and port security—providing continuous aerial monitoring and fast, actionable intelligence.