Tether Solutions for Professional UAV Systems

Tether systems supply suitable UAVs with electrical power via a cable for extended or continuous operation. Depending on the configuration, the same tether cable can also transmit control data, mission data, payload data, video streams and network access – either as an alternative or as a complement to radio links.

Vectorbirds integrates professional tether systems from the German manufacturer VALOFLY into its own UAV system solutions and adapts power supply, data connectivity, Tether Vehicle Module, platform, payload and mission profile on a project-specific basis. This creates tether-supported UAV solutions for applications where extended endurance, stable data connectivity, defined positioning and controlled UAV operation are critical.

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In tether operation, a suitable UAV is connected to a ground unit via a tether cable. Depending on the system design, the cable supplies the flight platform with electrical power and can also provide data paths for control, telemetry, mission data, payload data, video or network access.

The key advantage of this tether-supported operating mode is extended endurance, stable system connectivity and controlled UAV presence at a defined position. While a free-flying UAV is limited by battery capacity, radio data link range and mission duration, a tether system enables stationary or semi-stationary operation over significantly longer periods of time.

Typical mission profiles include stationary situational awareness, perimeter monitoring, temporary communication nodes, relay applications, security observation and mission-specific operating modes where an elevated sensor or antenna position is required for an extended period.

Tether ground units provide cable-based power, cable management and, depending on the version, network and data functions in an integrated ground-based solution. They are designed for higher power requirements, more demanding data connections, larger UAV platforms and higher operating altitudes.

Vectorbirds integrates these tether ground units into suitable UAV systems and adapts them to platform, payload, operating altitude, continuous operation and communication architecture. This enables stationary or semi-stationary UAV missions in which the aircraft is operated at a defined position for extended periods of time.

Depending on the system version, different power levels, cable lengths, housing variants and data options are possible. VALOFLY publicly lists, among others, the Avior and Antares Tether Ground Stations, which depending on the variant support power levels in the range of approximately 1.2 to 2.4 kW, tether altitudes of approximately 100 to 120 m and an integrated network connection of up to 200 Mbit/s.

The Tether Vehicle Module, or TVM, forms the UAV-side interface between tether cable, power supply and onboard architecture. It replaces the previously used term OBM or onboard module and describes the electronic unit integrated on the UAV.

Depending on the system design, the TVM handles the connection of the tether power supply, voltage adaptation, integration into the onboard power system and coordination with buffer battery, flight controller, payload and safety functions. This makes the TVM a central component of tether integration and not merely an external accessory.

Vectorbirds configures the TVM according to the respective UAV platform, payload and tether configuration. Key factors include power demand, take-off weight, cable length, thermal management, electrical protection functions and the desired operating profile. Only through this UAV-side integration does a tether ground unit become a robust cable-based UAV system solution.

Tether systems can provide not only cable-based power supply, but also data access, network access and mission communication via tether or via a hybrid architecture. This allows the UAV to be integrated into a controlled cable-based or hybrid communication architecture.

In simple configurations, the UAV is powered via the tether cable, while control, telemetry and payload data continue to be transmitted via radio. In extended configurations, Ethernet, network access, video data or mission-specific data paths can additionally be routed via the tether connection.

For more demanding applications, fibre-optic options are also possible depending on the tether system and integration setup. These are particularly suitable for mission profiles with increased requirements for data stability, range of the ground-side connection, network segmentation, video streaming or integration into higher-level control and mission systems.

As part of the system integration process, Vectorbirds evaluates whether a radio/tether hybrid architecture, a cable-based data solution or a separated power and data architecture is appropriate. Key factors include operating altitude, data volume, latency requirements, security level, payload and the existing infrastructure at the deployment site.

Tether integration at Vectorbirds is configured according to platform, payload and mission profile. Key factors include UAV platform, operating altitude, power demand, data connectivity, safety logic and the intended operating environment.

Depending on the platform, tether integration can be implemented for compact reconnaissance UAVs, larger multirotor systems or mission-specific payload carriers. Tether ground unit, tether cable, Tether Vehicle Module, buffer battery, flight controller, payload, data link and Ground Control Station are considered as one integrated system.

For smaller UAVs, Micro-Tether integration may be suitable when a compact power supply for reduced operating altitudes is the main requirement. For larger platforms, higher power demand, longer cable lengths or extended data and network functions, more powerful tether ground units are used.

Vectorbirds evaluates, among other factors, take-off weight, lifting capability, wind load, cable length, electrical power reserve, payload data, safety logic and the intended operating environment. The result is not an isolated accessory system, but a cable-based operating mode adapted to the respective UAV.

Tether mission profiles are relevant wherever observation, communication or situational awareness needs to be supported from a defined elevated position over an extended period of time. The combination of cable-based power supply, stable system connection and an elevated sensor or antenna position creates operational value compared to purely battery-based short-duration flights.

• Persistent situational awareness: continuous observation from an elevated position for command staff, security forces or technical monitoring applications.
• Perimeter and asset protection: extended monitoring of access points, terrain sections, infrastructure, events or temporary security areas.
• Temporary communication node: use of the UAV as an elevated antenna, relay, router or repeater position to extend local communication ranges.
• Stationary ISR applications: aerial observation with EO/IR sensors for reconnaissance, surveillance and security-critical situational assessment.
• Technical inspection and infrastructure monitoring: controlled observation of facilities, transport routes, construction sites, energy infrastructure or hard-to-access areas.
• Mobile or remote deployment: operation of a tether system directly at the deployment site, remotely in the field or as part of a larger mobile system architecture.

The specific suitability depends on UAV platform, payload, desired operating altitude, data connectivity, ground-side power supply and the respective safety concept. Vectorbirds evaluates these factors and derives a suitable tether configuration from them.