Advanced Tethered Drone Systems for Military, Government & Security Applications

DPI UAV Systems (Dragonfly Pictures) is a developer of advanced tethered drone systems for military, government and security applications. Offering reliable and persistent ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) and communications relay capabilities, our UAS platforms allow defense forces and tactical teams to establish a common operating picture (COP) and enhance situational awareness during critical and complex missions.

Designed to withstand even the most arduous conditions on the modern battlefield, our rugged solutions are equipped with cutting-edge EO/IR sensors and real-time communications and data streaming. The innovative tethered UAS provide a solution to line-of-sight challenges and deliver seamless over-the-horizon capabilities while reducing cognitive load on operators.

DPI drone systems can be deployed from a wide range of platforms and moving vehicles, including armored vehicles, trucks, naval vessels, and UGVs.

Our Tethered Drone Systems

LANTERN

Rugged tethered drone for persistent ISR & on-the-move deployment

LANTERN is a tethered drone system that deploys and lands on-the-move at the press of a button. While deployed, LANTERN autonomously follows its host vehicle or vessel while providing continuous ISR and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications by elevating camera and radio payloads up to 200 feet. It can also perform five-minute tetherless scout missions, making LANTERN the most rugged and versatile tethered drone on the market.

The rugged system is housed in a durable MIL-STD-810H-rated aluminum enclosure that can withstand extremes of shock and vibration, indirect shell shock, and all weather (rain, ice, snow, sand, dust) conditions. It features an advanced tether management system that actively regulates tension, preventing drag and reducing snag risk while ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation in dynamic battlefield environments.

The versatile UAS is payload-agnostic, with the standard setup including a Trillium HD40 EO/IR camera as well as a Silvus StreamCaster 4200 tactical radio. It can carry a variety of sensors and payloads – up to 5 pounds – to suit diverse mission requirements. It is fully compatible with any single-phase 240VAC 4kW generator, allowing it to be easily powered by existing field equipment for simplified logistics.

More information: LANTERN tethered drone system

VULTURE

Tethered UAS for over-the-horizon command & control

VULTURE is a maritime-ready tethered UAS that has been engineered to withstand the harshest of conditions at sea. It enhances vessel safety through persistent overwatch and extends communication ranges, enabling over-the-horizon command and control. VULTURE is housed in a rugged enclosure and deploys and lands with the press of a button. While deployed, VULTURE reduces operator input by autonomously following its host vessel – freeing teams to concentrate on mission objectives.

The advanced tethered drone system has been designed with built-in cybersecurity and RMF (Risk Management Framework)-compliant networking capabilities. It also offers high-bandwidth encrypted Ethernet connectivity, ensuring that sensitive mission-critical data can be transmitted securely in real time. By providing power through the tether, VULTURE can carry out extended missions without the need for recharging or battery swaps.

VULTURE has been deployed by the US Navy to extend the range of Program of Record radios such as the RSS R/T 1944 and the MIDS JTRS Link 16. This crucial capability enhances mission co-ordination at sea and provides command and control over the horizon.

More information: VULTURE tethered UAS

UMAR

Tethered UAS for beyond-line-of-sight communications

UMAR is DPI’s original maritime-ready tethered UAS that laid the groundwork for the VULTURE system. Like VULTURE, UMAR enhances vessel safety with persistent overwatch and extends communications, enabling over-the-horizon command and control.

Designed for naval operations, UMAR’s components are housed in a rugged, climate-controlled enclosure that shields the system from harsh maritime conditions, including saltwater, wind, and extreme temperatures. The system supports extended missions without the need for recharging or battery changes. While it requires manual setup, UMAR delivers the same operation capabilities as VULTURE, including takeoff and landing at the press of a button and autonomous vessel following.

UMAR features RMF-compliant networking, built-in cybersecurity protection, and high-bandwidth encrypted Ethernet connectivity, ensuring secure real-time data transmission for mission-critical operations.