LANTERN
Army-Trusted Tethered UAS for ISR and Beyond-line-of-sight communications

The LANTERN Tethered Drone System delivers Army-proven performance for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and reliable beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications. Engineered for rapid deployment on tactical vehicles or fixed sites, LANTERN provides continuous aerial overwatch, secure data links, and mission endurance unmatched by battery-powered UAVs. Its rugged design and flexible payload options make it a trusted asset for both battlefield and security operations.

LANTERN is offered in two configurations: the Standard Profile (SP), best suited for scenarios where minimizing system footprint is critical, and the Low Profile (LP), designed for operations where reducing overall height takes priority

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS
An overview of the features that make LANTERN mission-ready.

LANTERN SP

The Standard Profile (SP) configuration is ideal for vehicle integrations where overall height is not a limiting factor. Its design prioritizes a smaller footprint, making it well-suited for mounting on platforms that require space efficiency without sacrificing system endurance or payload capacity.

Tether Management system The tether management system (TMS) is designed to maintain dynamic tension on the tether, preventing slack and reducing drag IO PANEL The IO Panel consists of auxiliary ports for power supplies and data transmission FORKLIFT BASE The ruggedized enclosure system can be easily mounted onto any manned or unmanned vehicle using a forklift UAV WELL The UAV Guide Slot ensures proper orientation when the UAV lands in the enclosurey CLAMSHELL LID The clamshell lid allows the system to be mounted in more compact spaces, enhancing versatility and deployment options. ISOLATORS These isolators absorb shock and vibration, enabling the system to operate in harsh environments

System Closed

System Open w/o UAV

System Open w/ UAV

LANTERN LP

The Low Profile (LP) configuration is optimized for vehicles with strict height limitations, including those operating in enclosed spaces or requiring clearance for other mounted systems such as radio antennas or mission payloads. While it requires a larger footprint, the LP offers the same mission endurance and reliability in a more compact vertical profile, ensuring compatibility with height-restricted platforms.

SLIDING HANGER LID opens at the press of a button and shields the UAV from dust, debris, and weather. IO PANEL The IO Panel consists of auxiliary ports for power supplies and data transmission SCISSOR LIFT The UAV Guide Slot ensures proper orientation when the UAV lands in the enclosurey TETHER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The tether management system (TMS) is designed to maintain dynamic tension on the tether, preventing slack and reducing drag FORKLIFT BASE The ruggedized enclosure system can be easily mounted onto any manned or unmanned vehicle using a forklift

System Closed

System Open w/o UAV

System Open w/ UAV

MIL-STD-810H
Tested and Proven for Shock, Vibration, and Extreme Environments

LANTERN has been rigorously tested in extreme environments and consistently passed MIL-STD-810H standards. It operated in temperatures as low as -25°F and up to 125°F, with storage survivability ranging from -60°F to 160°F. The system withstood sustained winds of 30 mph, gusts to 35 mph, and performed reliably in heavy rain, snow, ice, fog, and sandstorms. Tests also validated durability in high-salt maritime conditions, blowing dust, and rough terrain including gravel, dirt, and grass. Across every trial—including Army field tests and maritime vessel demos—LANTERN met or exceeded requirements, demonstrating its rugged reliability in real-world military environments.

LANTERN CAPABILITIES
Persistent ISR, BLOS Comms, On-the-Move Support

LANTERN is a tethered UAS built for long-endurance ISR, dependable beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, and true on-the-move support. It also executes quick 5-minute tetherless scout missions, maintains autonomous host tracking in GPS-denied environments, and integrates seamlessly onto both manned and unmanned platforms, delivering a flexible solution for comms relay, EO/IR, and more.

Long endurance ISR

LANTERN provides persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), staying aloft for hours to deliver continuous overwatch and real-time situational awareness.

BLOS Communications

The system enables reliable beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, extending tactical networks and keeping forces connected in complex or obstructed environments.

On-the-move Operations

Designed for mobility, LANTERN can be deployed from moving vehicles, maintaining stable ISR and comms coverage without interrupting operations.

Scout Missions

Exclusive to the LANTERN Standard Profile (SP) configuration, the Scout Mission capability enables rapid, tetherless flights of up to five minutes for quick, on-demand reconnaissance beyond the host platform’s position.

GPS Denied Operations

LANTERN maintains full operational capability in GPS-denied environments, ensuring reliable communications and surveillance through its tethered link and advanced autonomous tracking systems.

Vehicle Integration

LANTERN’s architecture enables rapid integration with a wide range of manned and unmanned platforms—including USVs, UGVs, and tactical vehicles—supporting adaptable, mission-specific operations.

DEFENSE & SECURITY USE CASES
Convoy ISR, Mobile C2, and Border Security

Built for mission flexibility, LANTERN supports Army convoy operations, mobile command posts, and security missions such as border surveillance—delivering persistent ISR and BLOS communications wherever they’re needed.

CONVOY ISR

LANTERN is the optimal companion for Convoy ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, delivering persistent, elevated situational awareness while on the move. Its rapid deployment and stable, tethered connection ensure uninterrupted ISR feeds, even in challenging environments.

By integrating seamlessly with convoy platforms, LANTERN extends line-of-sight for detection and tracking, enabling faster, more informed decision-making across the convoy route.

MOBILE C2

The LANTERN tethered UAS enhances mobile command and control (C2) by providing a persistent, elevated communications and ISR node that moves with the mission. As convoys or tactical teams advance, LANTERN maintains a reliable tethered link for beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, real-time video, and data relay.

This mobility ensures commanders can make rapid, informed decisions in dynamic operational environments without sacrificing connectivity or situational awareness.

Remote Communications Relay

LANTERN provides a reliable communications relay in remote and rugged environments where traditional networks fail. By elevating radios above the terrain, LANTERN extends line-of-sight coverage, enabling secure voice, data, and video links over long distances.

This capability is ideal for border patrol agents operating in isolated regions and military units conducting missions in SATCOM- or comms-denied areas, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when it matters most.

OPERATOR INTERFACE:
Intuitive Control for Mission-Critical Operations

Built for mission flexibility, LANTERN supports Army convoy operations, mobile command posts, and security missions—delivering persistent ISR and BLOS communications wherever they’re needed.

One-Button Deployment

Deploy and land the UAV effortlessly with a single button press, reducing operator workload in high-tempo missions.

Tap-to-Track

Simply tap on any object on the screen to have the camera and UAV autonomously track the target in real time.

Skylink Integration

Fully compatible with Trillium’s Skylink software, ensuring smooth integration with existing workflows and mission systems.

Precision GPS Targeting

Pairing the onboard camera with a rangefinder enables precise location tracking of identified targets.

PAYLOAD OPTIONS
EO/IR Cameras, Sensors, Radios and more.

LANTERN is payload agnostic, providing integration with a wide range of mission-specific sensors and radios. The default configuration includes the Trillium HD40 EO/IR camera and the Silvus 4200 StreamCaster radio, delivering high-resolution ISR and robust, secure communications. Designed with a modular architecture, the system supports any payload up to 5 lbs, enabling operators to quickly adapt to mission requirements—whether deploying advanced imaging sensors, custom radio packages, or specialized payloads for Army, Navy, or security operations.

Trillium HD25

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Trillium HD40

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Trillium HD40 LVV

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Silvus Streamcaster 4200

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Silvus Streamcaster 4400

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Persistent Systems MPU5

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Camera payloads integrate on the front of the UAV

Radio antennas slide into the frame of the UAV 

See LANTERN in Action