About DPI UAV Systems
A Legacy of Aerial Excellence
DPI UAV Systems continues a 75-year rotorcraft legacy, with over three decades dedicated to developing advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for defense and commercial applications.
With more than 20 SBIR contracts – including multiple Phase II and III awards, DPI has earned a reputation for innovation and mission-ready performance. Its tethered multirotor UAVs have been tested in both CONUS and OCONUS operationally relevant environments, delivering virtually unlimited endurance and high-power payload support through patented technologies, such as US 11661186 B2 and US 12,330,812 B2.
Designed for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, DPI’s flagship systems — LANTERN, VULTURE, AND UMAR – extend communications and enhance situational awareness across maritime and ground operations. DPI’s heritage in unmanned VTOL platforms, including the DP-12 and DP-14, and patent US 10967963 B2 for a “Tandem Rigid Rotor System” reinforce its continued leadership in rotorcraft and UAS innovation.
DPI's TeUAS Maturation Timeline
2013-2017
Concept Design: Initial algorithms and component sizing; proof of concept/tech demo; TRL 4
2013
UMAR
SBIR Phase I Award to develop a communications relay system to fly from U.S. Navy vessels
2014
LANTERN
Initial software development tool created demonstrator
2015
LANTERN
First DPI maritime demonstration of a tethered UAS from U.S. Coast Guard Response Boat – Medium
2016
2017-2021
Tech Maturation: Ruggedize & Build two UMAR systems; add failsafe features; TRL 7
2017
LANTERN
Rapid research and development for smaller tethered UAS system to support U.S. Army & NATO exercises throughout Europe
UMAR
Performed over-the-horizon, high-bandwidth communications relay to U.S. Navy unmanned vessels
2018
2019
2020
UMAR
Performed communication range extension from U.S. ship to unmanned vessel
LANTERN
Awarded contract to ruggedize LANTERN capabilities and design an enclosure for UAV to protect against temperature, shock, vibration, rain, etc.
2021-2025
Tech Maturation: Mast Offset, software features, reliability upgrades; focus on demos; TRL 8
2021
UMAR
Demonstrated communications relay at the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX)
LANTERN
Completed delivery of LANTERN LP (Low Profile) units to U.S. Army
2022
LANTERN
Development and delivery of ruggedized LANTERN SP (Standard Profile) units to U.S. Army
System offers enhanced capabilities, redundancies, and supports free-flight “scout” missions
VULTURE
Awarded contract to develop tethered UAS from unmanned vessel
Incorporated necessary redundancy and maintenance
UMAR
Performed communication range extension from U.S. Navy ship in a simulated operational environment
2023
UMAR
Supported U.S. Navy in 5th Fleet, International Maritime Exercise 2023 (IMX23)
2024
VULTURE
Delivered VULTURE to the U.S. Navy after successful pre-delivery trials
2025+
Supporting customer needs
VULTURE
Integrated system onto various U.S. ships with the United States Navy.
LANTERN
Low-rate production & the delivery of LANTERN SP for U.S. Army
