What is a tethered drone?
Tethered drones provide continuous power and secure, high-bandwidth data through a physical cable connection to the ground. This eliminates the endurance and signal limitations of battery-powered, free-flying UAVs.
By staying airborne for hours — or even days — tethered systems deliver uninterrupted situational awareness, reliable communications links, and stable overwatch for mobile and fixed operations alike.
DPI UAV’s tethered solutions are purpose-built for defense and security missions, combining military-grade reliability with elevated, long-duration ISR and communications relay capability in the most demanding environments.
LANTERN
Integrates EO/IR and radio payloads, enabling ISR missions and extended communications.
Max Altitude
Max Payload Weight
System Dimensions
System Weight
200 feet
5.5 lbs.
3.6′ L
3.5′ W
3.5′ H
700 lbs.
VULTURE
Enables command and control capabilities beyond line of sight for maritime operations.
Max Altitude
Max Payload Weight
System Dimensions
System Weight
500 feet
15 lbs.
8′ L
6.5′ W
12.7′ H
10,000 lbs.
UMAR
Enables command and control capabilities beyond line of sight for maritime operations.
Max Altitude
Max Payload Weight
System Dimensions
System Weight
500 feet
15 lbs.
8′ L
6.5′ W
8′ H
7,000 lbs.
LANTERN
Integrates EO/IR and radio payloads, enabling ISR missions and extended communications.
Max Altitude
Max Payload Weight
System Dimensions
System Weight
200 feet
5.5 lbs
3.6′ L
3.5′ W
3.5′ H
700 lbs
VULTURE
Enables command and control capabilities beyond line of sight for maritime operations.
Max Altitude
Max Payload Weight
System Dimensions
System Weight
500 feet
15 lbs
8′ L
6.5′ W
12.7′ H
10,000 lbs
UMAR
Enables command and control capabilities beyond line of sight for maritime operations.
Max Altitude
Max Payload Weight
System Dimensions
System Weight
500 feet
15 lbs
8′ L
6.5′ W
8′ H
7,000 lbs
Learn more through our capabilities brochure
Unmanned Aerial Systems Design & Test Services
Utilizing the legacy and history of UAS, DPI has developed rigorous test processes, advanced equipment, and cutting-edge facilities. DPI is uniquely positioned to provide rapid, robust, and cost-effective engineering design, prototyping, and testing for unmanned aerial vehicles.
DPI’s tethered drones are custom-built solutions for our customers. Our product lines span free-flight tandem UAS to tethered drones. DPI designs, builds and tests tethered UAS. Since 1992, our professional and consistent experience has helped us deliver reliable aircraft and component design services to our clients. These services include aerodynamic performance, structural design, electrical system design, and automation.
Payload Integration
DPI can integrate radios, LIDAR, EO/IR sensors, 3D acoustic sensors, magnetic anomaly detectors, and more to meet complex customer needs. Each customer-specific payload requires mechanical mounting/damping, software, electrical, shielding, and serial/Ethernet communications for optimal system performance. This tight UAS/payload integration yields better data, leading to superior results for our customers.
DPI Contact Information
DPI UAV Systems
600 W 2nd St,
Essington, PA 19029
Telephone: +1 (610) 521-6115
FAX: +1 (610) 521-3074
E-mail: info@dpiuav.com
