About DPI UAV Systems
DPI UAV Systems has been pioneering aerial solutions since 1992, with a focus in recent years on developing advanced tethered drone systems for defense applications. In 2013, the company was awarded a Navy SBIR to create UMAR, a maritime tethered UAV that extends communications over-the-horizon at sea. Building on that success, DPI UAV Systems went on to develop LANTERN for the U.S. Army, a rugged, MIL-STD-810H-tested system designed to deliver persistent ISR and communications in contested environments.
2013-2017
Concept Design: Initial algorithms and component sizing. Proof of concept/tech demo. TRL 4
2013
UMAR
SBIR Phase I Award to develop a communications relay system to fly from Navy vessels.
2014
LANTERN
Initial software development tool developed demonstrator.
2015
LANTERN
First DPI maritime demonstration of a tethered UAS from US Coast Guard Response Boat – Medium.
2016
2017-2021
Tech Maturation: Ruggedize & Build two UMAR systems. Add failsafe features. TRL 7
2017
LANTERN
Rapid Research & Development for smaller tethered UAS system to support US Army & NATO exercises throughout Europe.
UMAR
Performed over-the-horizon high-bandwidth communications relay to US Navy unmanned vessels.
2018
2019
2020
UMAR
Performed communication range extension from United States Ship to unmanned vessel.
LANTERN
Awarded contract to ruggedize LANTERN capabilities: enclosure for UAV, temperature, shock, vibe, rain
2021-2025
Tech Maturation: Mast Offset, software features, reliability upgrades. Focus on demos. TRL 8
2021
UMAR
Demonstrated communications relay at the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX).
LANTERN
Completed delivery of LANTERN LP (Low Profile) units to US Army.
2022
LANTERN
Development and delivery of ruggedized LANTERN SP (Standard Profile) units to US Army. System offers enhanced capabilities, redundancies, and supports free-flight “scout” missions.
VULTURE
Awarded contract to develop tethered UAS from unmanned vessel. Incorporated necessary redundancy and maintenance.
UMAR
Performed communication range extension from United States Naval Ship in operational-like environment.
2023
UMAR
Supported US Navy in 5th Fleet, International Maritime Exercise 2023 (IMX23).
2024
VULTURE
Delivered C-TEM to US Navy after successful “Pre-Delivery Trials”
2025+
Support the customers needs.
2025
VULTURE
Integrate system onto various United States Ships with US Navy.
LANTERN
Low-rate production & the delivery of LANTERN SP for US Army.