DPI UAV Systems recently completed a successful integration and testing event of the LANTERN tethered UAS system aboard an uncrewed surface vessel (USV), demonstrating the system’s ability to provide persistent elevated capability in a maritime environment while the host platform was underway.
The testing campaign focused on validating launch and recovery operations, on-the-move performance, and system stability during dynamic vessel maneuvers. Throughout the event, LANTERN successfully conducted multiple takeoff and landing evolutions while the host vessel was moving at speeds of up to 10 knots, beginning with initial testing at 5 knots before progressing to higher speeds.
Following launch and recovery validation, the team conducted on-the-move operations at vessel speeds up to 20 knots with LANTERN fully deployed to 200 feet AGL, validating stable flight, tether management, and host vehicle tracking while underway. Throughout the testing, the system maintained persistent elevated capability while operating in a dynamic maritime environment.
Additional testing evaluated system performance during vessel maneuvering. The USV executed both 90-degree and 180-degree turns while LANTERN remained deployed, allowing the team to assess aircraft tracking, tether management, and overall system stability throughout dynamic course changes.
The successful demonstration highlights LANTERN’s ability to operate from both manned and unmanned platforms while extending sensing and communications capabilities beyond what can be achieved from the surface alone. By elevating mission payloads up to 200 feet above the waterline, operators can improve line-of-sight awareness, increase communications range, and gain additional decision time through earlier detection of potential threats and areas of interest.
As unmanned systems continue to play an increasingly important role in maritime operations, the combination of a USV and an elevated tethered UAS provides a force-multiplying capability that extends operational reach while reducing risk to personnel.
DPI UAV Systems continues to expand LANTERN’s integration across a growing range of military and security platforms, supporting missions that require persistent ISR, communications extension, and elevated sensing in complex operational environments.
