Elistair and Exail have partnered to integrate an automated tethered drone system onto an autonomous surface vessel, extending maritime monitoring capabilities far beyond the reach of standard deck-level sensors.
The collaboration pairs Elistair’s Khronos DroneBox with Exail’s DriX unmanned surface vessel (USV). Operating directly from the deck of the vessel, the tethered drone rises to a height of 60 meters to deliver a persistent “eye in the sky” for up to 24 hours at a time. Because power is delivered directly through its tether, the drone can remain airborne continuously while using an autonomous “follow-me” capability to stay stationed directly above the vessel while under way.
This persistent aerial perspective significantly pushes back the surveillance horizon compared to traditional surface-based radar and cameras. The integrated platform streams live, encrypted video over a secure data link and is designed to deliver real-time imagery even in contested, GNSS-denied environments. Both the USV and the tethered drone can be fully operated remotely from shore, making the technology well suited for coastal surveillance, port and critical-infrastructure protection, counter-trafficking operations, and search and rescue missions.
Guilhem de Marliave, CEO of Elistair, said, “Integrating a tethered drone on an autonomous vessel marks a major step forward for maritime surveillance. Surface sensors stop at the horizon; flown from the DriX, Khronos lifts that limit with a persistent, mobile view that stays airborne for hours. For operators, that means wider coverage and earlier detection, with no crew at sea.”
Stéphane Vannuffelen, Maritime Autonomy Solution Technical Director at Exail, added, “DriX was designed as an open platform, able to integrate new payloads as operational needs evolve. The integration of Khronos adds a persistent aerial perspective to the vessel’s existing surveillance capabilities, significantly extending the monitored area.”
