Applications | Tethered UAV
Tethered UAV and mobile platform integration
Tethered UAV applications combine longer endurance, stable power supply and controlled operating modes with the ability to deploy a UAV system from a mobile or suitably positioned platform architecture.
The focus is not only on the flight platform itself, but on the coordinated interaction of TETHER, UAV, ground unit, data paths, power supply and platform integration. This makes it possible to build stationary, semi-stationary or deployable mission profiles in a technically coherent way.
Mission profile | Advantages
Why tethered UAV systems on mobile platforms are useful
A tethered UAV can be useful wherever a system needs to remain available at a defined altitude for an extended period without relying primarily on the battery capacity of a free-flying UAV. Combined with a mobile platform, this creates a deployable operational architecture for reconnaissance, communications, security observation or mission-specific monitoring tasks.
Longer endurance
Tether-based power supply supports significantly longer operating times than purely battery-powered UAV operation.
- continuous operation
- fewer battery changes
- defined availability
Stable power and data
Depending on the configuration, the tether system can carry power, control and data paths together.
- power supply
- telemetry / payload data
- network access
Mobile deployment
Through platform integration, the system can be deployed and relocated quickly from vehicles, trailers or suitable carrier surfaces.
- vehicle-based operation
- rapid relocation
- mobile architecture
Controlled operating mode
Tethered UAV applications are suitable for defined, controlled and repeatable mission profiles from an elevated position.
- stationary / semi-stationary
- elevated position
- repeatable workflows
System architecture | TETHER and TELEVATOR
From TETHER to TELEVATOR: the right operating architecture
Tethered UAV applications cannot be reduced to one single technical setup. Depending on the mission, a UAV can be combined with a TETHER solution for power supply and data connectivity, or operated as an integrated platform architecture via TELEVATOR.
While TETHER describes the cable-based operating mode with power supply, data paths and stationary or semi-stationary operation, TELEVATOR combines UAV, tether system and mobile platform into one operational solution. This makes it possible to perform take-off, operation and landing on a suitable mobile carrier platform.
Remote control architectures are also possible, where platform, tether ground unit and control station are operated in separate locations. This allows tactical, vehicle-based or concealed deployment setups to be implemented.
Suitable systems | Vectorbirds
Suitable Vectorbirds systems for tethered applications
Depending on the mission profile, altitude, payload and preferred operating mode, different Vectorbirds systems can be integrated into tethered applications. Relevant factors include the platform, payload configuration, ground architecture and the integration into the tether or platform solution.
VECTIS Relay M2
For tethered communication and relay missions, VECTIS Relay M2 is a logical configuration.
- tactical relay UAV
- elevated communication node
- tether preferred
TELEVATOR
TELEVATOR addresses mobile platform integration and combines UAV, tether system and carrier platform into one operational solution.
- mobile platform
- take-off / operation / landing
- deployable architecture
TETHER
The TETHER solution provides the technical basis for cable-based power supply, data paths and longer operating times.
- power via cable
- data / control
- stationary deployment
Project request | Tethered UAV
Evaluate a tethered UAV application technically
Are you planning a tethered UAV system with longer endurance, cable-based power supply or mobile platform integration? Vectorbirds can assess suitable platforms, tether architectures, payloads and integration steps and evaluate them for your project requirements.