LANTERN
What makes LANTERN the most rugged tethered drone?
LANTERN is engineered and built to withstand harsh operational conditions across land and maritime environments. Housed in an impact-resistant enclosure and designed for long-term durability, the system maintains reliable performance despite vibration, weather exposure, and demanding terrain.
An integrated tether management system actively regulates tension to prevent drag and reduce snag risk, ensuring consistent and stable operation during missions. Designed for autonomous deployment with UGVs, USVs, or manned vehicles, LANTERN provides stabilized line-of-sight communications and sensor support in dynamic environments.
Engineered for versatility, LANTERN supports payloads — from high-resolution imaging sensors to advanced communication modules — allowing operators to tailor capabilities to mission requirements. LANTERN is compatible with standard single-phase 240 VAC, 4 kW generators, enabling seamless integration into existing power infrastructure for sustained, field-ready operations.
Enclosure Profiles
_LANTERN SP
The Standard Profile (SP) configuration is ideal for vehicle integrations where overall height is not a limiting factor. The SP prioritizes a smaller footprint, making it well-suited for platforms that require space efficiency without sacrificing system endurance or payload capacity.
_LANTERN LP
The Low Profile (LP) configuration is optimized for vehicles with strict height limitations. These operations may occur in enclosed spaces or require clearance for other mounted systems, such as radio antennas or mission payloads. While requiring a larger footprint, the LP offers the same mission endurance and reliability in a more vertically compact profile.
deployment platforms
As a rugged tethered drone, LANTERN has the capacity to integrate into a wide range of operational platforms, enabling persistent aerial capability wherever the mission takes place. From ground vehicles to maritime assets, the system adapts to the host platform without complex setup or constant operator control.
Each configuration leverages autonomous platform tracking and stabilized tether management to maintain reliable positioning, communications, and sensor coverage, even in dynamic or on-the-move environments, making LANTERN one of the most rugged tethered drones in its class.
Manned Vehicles
Manned vehicles provide a stable, mobile platform for deploying LANTERN in dynamic ground operations. Mounted directly to a vehicle or towed trailer, the system delivers persistent aerial ISR and communications, both while on the move or from a fixed position. This innate flexibility significantly extends situational awareness without adding operator burden. Variable configuration enables rapid setup, sustained overwatch, and integration into Army convoy, patrol, and command-and-control operations.
Unmanned Vehicles
Unmanned vehicles enable autonomous deployment of LANTERN from forward or contested positions without exposing personnel. Integrated with UGVs or other robotic platforms, LANTERN automatically tracks the host vehicle while providing persistent aerial ISR and communications relay, whether the platform operates remotely or is pre-positioned. This versatility extends situational awareness and command reach into high-risk environments.
Vessels
Vessels provide a stable maritime platform for deploying LANTERN in coastal and littoral operations. Whether integrated with crewed or unmanned vessels, LANTERN autonomously tracks the host platform and maintains stable positioning despite vessel motion, enabling persistent aerial ISR and communications relay while underway or at anchor. This configuration extends situational awareness for port security, maritime patrol, and over-the-horizon command and control, all without interrupting vessel operations.
Unmanned Surface Vessels
Integrating LANTERN with an unmanned surface vessel (USV) combines two autonomous platforms, extending sensing, communications, and mission effectiveness while reducing risk to personnel. By elevating sensors, radios, and other payloads hundreds of feet above the waterline, LANTERN provides earlier detection of surface, air, and maritime threats. This elevated vantage point increases situational awareness, extends communications range, and improves target tracking, enabling operators to make informed decisions sooner. When paired with a USV, LANTERN pushes these capabilities farther into contested or hazardous areas, enabling persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and communications support without placing warfighters in harm’s way.
LANTERN capabilities
TRILLIUM HD40 LVV CAMERA
The Trillium HD40 LVV is a compact, high-performance gimbal that is exclusively designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Featuring a stabilized EO/IR payload, the HD40 LVV delivers high-resolution imagery and real-time video, day or night. These capabilities make it ideal for airborne ISR operations where size, weight, and image quality are all equally critical.
Detect, Recognize, and identify ranges
DRI performance for the Trillium HD40 LVV varies based on target size, contrast, and environmental conditions. Larger objects – such as vehicles or vessels – can be detected and recognized at significantly greater distances, while smaller or lower-contrast targets require closer ranges for reliable identification. As a result, stated DRI values should be understood as scale-dependent rather than fixed distances.
Infrared Camera
Detect
1.1 miles / 1.8 kilometers
Recognize
0.3 miles / 0.5 kilometers
Identify
0.17 miles / 0.28 kilometers
Visible Camera
Detect
19.8 miles / 32 kilometers
Recognize
5 miles / 8 kilometers
Identify
3.1 miles / 5 kilometers
Operator-Focused Interface
LANTERN features an intuitive, operator-focused user interface, designed to minimize training time while maximizing situational awareness. The software can be deployed on a ruggedized laptop or tablet – such as a Toughbook or Toughpad – and supports open software integration, allowing end users to connect their own applications, data pipelines, or mission systems. This flexible architecture enables mission-specific workflows while maintaining a simple, reliable interface optimized for persistent operations.
ATAK Integration
LANTERN integrates with ATAK to deliver live video, sensor data, and system status directly into the tactical network. This enables shared situational awareness across command posts, vehicles, and dismounted users, ensuring all elements operate from a common operational picture. This alignment ensures personnel can act on real-time information with greater speed and coordination.
Specifications
Altitude
200′
Relative Wind Speed
33 mph
Size
Enclosure 42″ L x 42″ w x 40.25″H
LANTERN (w/props) 36.82″ L x 36.82″ W x 11.8″ H
System Weight
700 lbs.
Durability
Fully welded aluminum frame
Fully isolated frame for vibration and shock
Capable of withstanding forces exceeding 30 g
Can withstand 100mm gunfire shock (including indirect shell shock)
Testing
Designed to MIL-STD-810H and ATPD-2404C
Payload capacity
5 lbs.
Base Payload
Trillium HD40 EO/IR Camera
Silvus 4200 Radio
Backup battery
5 minutes
Untethered
Supports 5 minute untethered scout missions
