Unleashing the Power of Tethered Drone Systems for Industrial and Public Safety Missions

Imagine a new technology that combines the speed of a drone with the steadiness of a person. 

This would be a revolutionary solution that combines digital skill with physical dependability to set new standards in the industry. 

It sounds too good to be true. 

Think again! 

Meet Tethered Drone Systems, the game-changing innovations that are shifting how businesses and public safety work. 

These systems unlock the full potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in diverse and challenging environments. 

This makes the way for a new wave of efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use. 

On this page, we’ll talk about the huge benefits and prospects that Tethered Drone Systems can provide to transform industries and keep our communities safe. 

So, let’s get ready to dive into the amazing world of endless possibilities that this powerful duo has opened up.

Unleashing Tethered Drone Systems

Tethered drone systems are very different than free flying drones. 

Their new capabilities are revolutionizing industrial and public safety applications, offering persistent and reliable aerial solutions. 

With the recent launch of ORION UAS, Elistair has taken innovation to new heights by creating a fully automated, tethered drone system designed to enhance mission efficiency and deliver actionable intelligence. 

In addition, with their ability to provide hours of continuous operation, tethered drones are becoming invaluable tools for law enforcement agencies, offering enhanced capabilities in crowd protection, search and rescue, and traffic monitoring.

The versatility of tethered drones extends even further, as research from Mobility Engineering suggests that tethered UAVs (TUAVs) can potentially improve cellular phone and internet connectivity. 

TUAVs could efficiently restore mobile coverage and offload data during peak hours by replacing inoperable base stations. 

Their applications span industries, from military operations to disaster response, event management, and security. 

In addition, high-flying TUAVs offer a cost-effective solution for providing coverage to rural and sparsely populated areas.

The result is an explosion of growth in the global tethered drone market.

Benefits of Tethered Drones for Industrial Safety

The adoption of tethered drones in various industries has increased exponentially as they offer numerous benefits for industrial safety. 

Tethered drones can be operated from remote or rugged environments, performing crucial functions such as data capture and live video feed transmission. 

Furthermore, with their static operation, tethered drones offer ease of use and situational awareness without requiring advanced drone flying skills.

Some of the advantages of tethered drones for industrial safety include:

• Longer flight durations: Unlike traditional drone systems with 20-45 minutes flight times, tethered drones can be powered continuously for extended periods of up to 24 hours or even months.
• Prevention of technical errors and accidents: Due to their physical tether, these drones are less likely to fly away or cause damage in case of mistakes or accidents.
• Enhanced picture and video quality: Tethered drones can provide consistent, high-quality imagery for monitoring and surveillance purposes.

Tethered Drones for Public Safety Applications

Tethered drones offer immense benefits for public safety applications, providing teams with crucial situational awareness through real-time data and aerial perspectives. 

With the ability to rapidly deploy, tethered drones can surveil up to 10km for extended durations, outlasting traditional battery-powered drones. 

For example, Elistair’s tether stations are compatible with a wide range of commercial drones, offering increased flexibility and communication network range.

Similarly, Fotokite Sigma’s actively tethered drone system provides public safety teams with mission-critical information accessible on rugged tablets. 

These drones can be deployed with a single push of a button, bypassing the need for piloting and minimizing resource usage. 

Furthermore, Fotokite actively tethered UAS operates reliably in harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and wind, setting it apart from conventional public safety drones.

Tethered drones can be employed in law enforcement operations to enhance public safety. Let’s explore this.

Tethered Drones in Law Enforcement Operations

Tethered drones are increasingly used in law enforcement operations to provide continuous aerial surveillance during events, protests, and other situations requiring extended-duration monitoring. 

Elistair, a leading tethered drone system manufacturer, has recently unveiled a new tethered power module for the DJI M30 drone, compatible with their Ligh-T and Safe-T Ground Power Stations. 

This module allows for hours of uninterrupted flight and is specifically designed to cater to the needs of police, firefighters, and first responders.

We have seen similar offerings for the DJI Mavic and DJI Matrice series drones, among others.

Another example is the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey, which uses Blue Vigil’s Drone Tether Power System to provide persistent surveillance during large public gatherings. 

By eliminating the need for battery changes, tethered drone systems greatly enhance situational awareness and offer a more efficient way to monitor events or protests from above.

The uses of tethered drones continue.

Tethered drones are utilized in search and rescue missions, offering life-saving capabilities in critical situations.

Use of Tethered Drones in Search and Rescue Missions

The use of tethered drones in search and rescue missions has increased, providing several advantages over traditional methods. 

Extended power modules enable drones to remain airborne for hours, providing uninterrupted surveillance and efficient search operations.

Key benefits of using tethered drones in search and rescue missions include:

• Longer flight durations: Tethered drones can stay in the air for up to 24 hours, enabling continuous surveillance and increasing the chances of success in search and rescue missions.
• Enhanced data security: With a wired connection, tethered drones provide a secure data transfer method, protecting critical information in military applications and other sensitive areas.
• High-resolution imaging: Tethered drone systems allow for the transmission of uncompressed, high-dimensional data, providing precise and detailed images that can aid in identifying missing persons or objects.

That’s not the end of the application list. 

Tethered drones are revolutionizing scientific and agricultural applications, offering benefits beyond their traditional use cases.

Tethered Drones for Scientific and Agriculture Applications

Tethered drones are becoming increasingly popular for their application in various fields, including scientific and agricultural uses. 

With a permanent physical link providing power and communications, tethered drone systems enable longer flight durations and greater control over the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). 

They are beneficial in situations requiring extended flight endurance and limited operating area.

These drone systems often have various payloads, such as real-time HD video cameras, radio repeaters, and environmental sensors. 

Tethered drones can closely observe crops and gather vital information about crops and agriculture, leading to precise and efficient farming practices. 

They are also invaluable for scientific research, particularly in monitoring air quality and atmospheric measurements and providing critical data for weather forecasting and natural disaster tracking.

Tethered System Advantages of Longer Flight Durations

One of the significant advantages of using tethered drones is their longer flight duration. 

Traditional rotary wing UAVs can usually only fly for 30 to 60 minutes, limiting their effectiveness in extended tasks. 

Indeed, some lesser capable drones have even lower flight times, limiting their uses to simple aerial photography or videography and typical consumer or hobbyist use.

However, tethered drones can remain in the air for up to 24 hours or even longer without needing to land for battery replacement or refueling. 

This increased flight time enables more effective and continuous operations such as:

• Border surveillance
• Live streaming events
• Temporary communication towers
• Wide area surveillance and monitoring

The extended flight duration of tethered drones makes them particularly useful in situations where continuous aerial presence is essential, such as during large-scale events, natural emergencies, or crowd monitoring. 

These drones can also securely transmit high-quality data, including high-resolution images, thanks to the cable links to the ground station. This is particularly important in applications that require real-time data analysis.

The benefits continue.

Tethered drones can reduce technical errors and enhance the overall efficiency of drone operations. 

How Tethered Drones Reduce Technical Errors

Tethered drones offer several advantages in reducing technical errors compared to free-flying drones. 

For instance, their restricted flying range alleviates the need for a trained pilot and GPS navigation, significantly lowering the chances of crashes due to technical or human errors.

If you have ever had a flyaway crash or tried to recover and recalibrate a GPS sensor on a drone, you would know what we are talking about.

Those worries all disappear!

Furthermore, this increased stability allows drone operators to focus on their primary tasks more efficiently. 

Additionally, tethered drones’ uninterrupted flight time, made possible by a grounded power source, surpasses the average flight time of free-flying drones, which typically only last around twenty minutes on a single charge.

Furthermore, the restrained movement of tethered drones provides a more stable platform for capturing clear images and videos. 

This is particularly helpful for photographers and videographers, as the tether stabilizes the drone and reduces the need for extensive piloting skills. 

Let’s explore the content enhancements.

Enhanced Picture and Video Quality with Tethered Drones

Enhanced picture and video quality are one of the significant advantages of tethered drone systems. 

In addition, these high-resolution data applications drones can stay in the air for extended periods, often up to 24 hours, without needing to land for battery replacement or refueling. 

You won’t miss the shot that you might from having to return your free flying drone home to replace a battery.

The extended hover time enables them to provide more precise and stable imagery, making them ideal for applications requiring high-resolution data, such as wide area surveillance, traffic monitoring, and communication relay.

Tethered drones also offer increased data security through their cable connection to the ground unit, which helps maintain stable communication and data transmission. 

In addition, unlike wireless connections requiring data compression or encryption, tethered drone technology can deliver high-quality imagery directly to the operator without sacrificing speed or resolution.

FAA Regulations for Tethered Drones

Tethered drones have been gaining popularity in the past few years due to their unique capabilities that untethered drones cannot match. 

However, tethered drone technology falls under the same regulations as free flying drones, such as the DJI Mavic and DJI Matrice, in terms of operation and application. 

This means that the FAA regulations for tethered drones in North America, including every state (from North Carolina to Oregon and Alaska to Florida), are the same as those for untethered drones. 

However, because tethered drones have unlimited flight time and increased payload capabilities, additional regulations may be imposed for commercial applications for public safety, law enforcement, and defense purposes, like aerial surveillance and monitoring of traffic and IMAP patrols.

The ability to tether the UAV to a ground station for data transmission and control provides uninterrupted capability and endurance within an operation. 

Furthermore, the tethered system is more stable for aerial surveillance and can hold specific sensor payloads. 

However, despite their unique capabilities, tethered drones still face many of the same challenges as free flying drones in terms of FAA regulations and privacy concerns. 

Companies need to ensure they have the proper certificates and licenses to operate tethered drones within the law, especially in sensitive areas like the Arctic Circle, the Middle East, and major cities like New York and Las Vegas. 

Tethered drones may provide a valuable addition to the drone industry, but companies must operate within the regulations to ensure their missions and capabilities align with the laws and regulations.

Who are the major tethered drone solutions companies?

The Global Tethered Drone Market is rapidly increasing, with companies like Elistair, Hoverfly Technologies, and Drone Aviation leading the way. 

Elistair is a French and US-based company founded in 2014. Elistair is a market leader in tethered drones supplying both DIY and Integrated systems. They have over 300 customers worldwide using their specialized tethered drone systems, and the Elistair tethered drone  (Orion)has won several awards and competitions in France and The United States.

Hoverfly Technologies is a Florida-based company. Hoverfly was founded in 2010 and has a long and proven history of innovative and first-to-market technologies, including the first tethered-power sUAS (the LiveSky™), the first optionally tether-powered free-flying drone (the BigSky™), and the first power-tether kit for consumer drones. Hoverfly designs and manufactures tether-powered aerial drones and third-party power tether kits.

Drone Aviation Corp. was founded in 2014 and recently merged with ComSovereign Corp. They are based in Florida. Drone Aviation designs, develops, markets, and sells specialized tethered aerial monitoring and communications platforms serving national defense and security customers for use in situational awareness applications, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (“ISR”) and communications.

CyPhy Works, founded in 2008, recently rebranded as Aria Insights. The new company focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to help analyze data collected by drones. Aria will build upon CyPhy’s tethered flight data collection system to help pull information in dangerous situations, from oil tankers and pipelines to natural disasters.

There are a number of other unmanned systems companies that, while not directly in the tethered drone system business, are an integral part of the tethered drone market. 

They contribute significant additional capabilities, such as specialized sensors or tools, which make unmanned flight more sustainable. 

We encourage you to check out Teledyne FLIR Systems, a reputed Thermal Imaging company, and Aeryon Labs, a software company that is revolutionizing drone data transfer and systems interoperability.

Some top Tethered Drone Solutions available in the market today

Manufacturer	Model Name	Type of Product	Link	Description	Specifications
Elistair	Orion 2	Tethered Drone	Link	A tethered drone system designed for continuous aerial surveillance. Persistent UAV Built For Surveillance & Communications ORION tethered UAV is a fully automated, powerful, and highly portable tethered flight system.  Aerial surveillance has never been easier. Designed for continuous aerial day and night surveillance over extended time periods over large areas, it is perfectly adapted for situational awareness missions, including demanding law enforcement, private security, public safety missions, and military uses.	Weight: 12 kg, Max Altitude: 100m, Max Wind Speed: 15m/s, Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C, IP Rating: IP54
Elistair	Safe-T 2	Tether	Link	A tethered drone system designed for continuous aerial surveillance. Safe-T 2 is an industrial smart tether station for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), offering real-time semi-persistent observation and surveillance capabilities thanks to its patented micro-tether. Offering the widest range of compatible drones and payload sensors on the drones market, the system is especially suited for: Persistent Aerial Surveillance (Day and night) Temporary Telecommunications (4G, Wi-Fi, radio) Industrial Inspections Situational Awareness Working with Elistair tethered drone solution – ORION Designed for the most demanding professional missions, Safe-T 2 has been approved for tethered flight by an official rule-making body; the DGAC (French civil aviation – responsible for drone aviation), and has been successfully deployed by government bodies and industrial companies over 5 continents.	Weight: 11 kg (24.25 lbs) Dimensions: 38 x 45 x 20 cm (15 x 17.7 x 7.9 in) Power Supply: 90-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz Output Power: 2400 W Tether Length: Up to 150 m (492 ft) Data Transfer Rate: Up to 200 Mbps Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F) Storage Temperature: -20°C to +60°C (-4°F to 140°F) Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing Altitude: Up to 2000 m (6562 ft) IP Rating: IP54 Certifications: CE, FCC, IC
Elistair	Ligh-T	Tethered Drone Station	Link	The Ligh-T is a ruggedized tethered drone station, offering extended possibilities for police departments, first responders, and drone pilots demanding a reliable and quick-to-deploy tethered drone system. It is compact and portable, designed to meet the requirements of demanding missions in all environments. It is compatible with most commercial drones.	Endurance: It provides continuous power to the drone, allowing for extended flight times that can be crucial in operations. Data: It offers a high-speed data link between the drone and the control station. Safety: The tethered system provides secure and continuous power, ensuring the drone stays in the air for the duration of the mission. Portability: The Ligh-T is designed to be easily transportable and quick to deploy, making it ideal for field operations.
Drone Aviation Corp	WASP Lite	Tethered Drone	Link	A compact, highly mobile aerial platform. WASP Lite uses the proven fieldability of the larger WASP Aerostat System and offers a smaller footprint for expeditionary missions. WASP Lite can fit in the back of a pickup truck, or on a boat or UTV. WASP Lite is highly mobile. It can be relocated while deployed or moored at speeds up to 40 mph.	Envelope Diameter: 13-17 feet, Lifting Gas: Helium, Payload Lift Capacity: 15 to 35 lbs., Flight Altitude: Up to 1,000 ft AGL, Launch Altitude: Up to 6000 ft MSL, Human detection range: 5.5 miles with DAC 350 payload, Communications range extension: 40+ miles, Power: Batteries as primary, Charge from the universal AC source and host vehicle DC voltage (NATO slave)
Fotokite	Sigma	Tethered Drone System	Link	The Fotokite Sigma is a unique situational awareness system designed for public safety and emergency teams. It offers 24 hours of continuous live video streaming capabilities. The Fotokite Sigma consists of the Ground Station and the Kite. A tablet or computer runs the Fotokite Live App which shows the real-time thermal and low-light video streams, giving teams actionable information throughout their mission safely and reliably; no piloting necessary.	Flight Time: 24 hours continuous (as long as the vehicle is running or plugged into shore power) Warranty: 1-year / 200 flight hours, with optional extended warranty available Servicing: Over-the-air firmware upgrades with auto flight log & service documentation Log Storage: 24-hour capacity, single button-push upload to optional cloud account at the station Kite: 1.2kg (2.6lbs) take-off weight, weather-sealed carbon fiber & advanced composites Cameras: Thermal stream resolution of 320×256/30fps plus an RGB stream resolution of 720p/30fps, 3.4MP 1/3” CMOS Sensor with 3.6mm low distortion lens Ground Station: 9kg (19.85lbs), single carry transport case configuration size: 504 x 352 x 230 mm (19.85 x 13.85 x 9.05 in) Weather Rating: -10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F), IP55, ready to operate in rain, snow, & wind Range: Max height of 45m (150ft) from the Ground Station Tether: Reinforced load-rated ultrathin cable LTE Modem & Video Streaming: Ethernet + WPA2 encrypted WiFi access point for live video streaming, plus integrated LTE Modem to stream live video remotely for mutual aid and remote incident command Safety & Regulations Compliant: No piloting necessary; fully autonomous launching, flight, and landing Security: Secure video streaming & control link to the ground station via tether cable Flight Control: Fotokite Autopilot with no GPS dependency System Reliability: Auto pre-flight system checks, single-motor failure redundancy, controlled descent, a backup flight power system for up to 120 seconds, backup ground station power system for control & recovery in power blackouts, redundant flight control, tether separation detection, automatic maintenance alerts
LiveSky SENTRY	Tethered Drone	Hoverfly	Link	The LiveSky SENTRY is a tethered drone system that meets IP54 & MIL-STD-810 standards, operates in extreme conditions, and is a force multiplier for mission-critical situations. It has a precision landing feature that allows it to launch and recover without optical sensors in all-weather environments. It also has an open architecture that allows for a range of sensors, radios, and payloads for seamless platform integration. It is field proven and has proprietary technology that provides unmatched precision flight in areas where GPS signals are not optimal.	Weight: 5 lbs. (2.3kg) without payload Payload Capacity: 1.8lbs Dimensions: 20” x 20” x 10.6” (50 cm x 50 cm x 27 cm) Construction: Composite and carbon Maximum Altitude: 200 ft (60m) tether Communication: Secure data/video over tether Power: Supplied by tether with a backup battery Environmental: IP54*, MIL-STD-810G* Temperature: .20C to +55C
LiveSky SPECTRE	Tethered Drone	Hoverfly	Link	The LiveSky HL SPECTRE is a robust tether-powered multirotor sUAS used for ISR & Communications Relay as a persistent, multi-day aerial platform. It meets IP54 & MIL-STD-810 standards, operates in extreme conditions, and is a force multiplier for mission-critical situations. It has a precision landing feature that allows it to launch and recover without optical sensors in all-weather environments. It also has an open architecture that allows for a range of sensors, radios, and payloads for seamless platform integration. It is field proven and has proprietary technology that provides unmatched precision flight in areas where GPS signals are not optimal.	Payloads: 5lb+ – ISR & tactical network payloads: EO/IR gimbal, tactical radios, laser designators, etc. Flight Duration: Continuous 1500-hour maintenance Operating Altitude: 60/meters/200 feet, 100 meters/ 330feet* Environmental: Weather resistant (MIL-STD-810*) Wind Tolerance: Landing – 15mph, operational -25mph Aircraft Weight: 7 lbs. (no payload) and Base 60 lbs. Control: Ruggedized tablet, PC, ATAK, RaptorX, SDK Launch Recovery: Quick attachment no-tool landing ring Power: 90-240VAC, 2000 Watts Transport: 2 cases total weight 175 lbs. / 79 kgs Setup Time: <10 minutes from case to altitude Maintenance: Field replacement with a spares kit
Lifeline Tethered UAV	Tethered Drone	Lifeline	Link	Lifeline is a tethered drone system that is a portable, compact, all-in-one unit. It works seamlessly with selected DJI drones like the Phantom 4, Mavic Pro, and Inspire 1 & 2. It is designed to be simple and affordable for drone professionals. It is fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) for in aerodrome operations within 5km of any airport in Singapore.	Flight Duration: Up to 3.5 hours for a Mavic 2 Pro and 2.5 hours for a Phantom 4. Weight: 7 kg Tether: MIL-SPEC, strong, lightweight, and tangle-free. Auto Winch: Optional auto-winch system for easy cable management. Power: 90-240VAC, 2000 Watts Transport: 2 cases total weight 175 lbs. / 79 kgs Setup Time: <10 minutes from case to altitude
Quad-8	Tethered Drone System	Zenith Aerotech	Link	Zenith Aerotech’s Quad-8 tethered drone system provides advanced power, payload, and endurance over other systems on the market today. It brings quadcopter reliability to another level with two motors and propellers on each of its four arms. The redundant propulsion systems mean that the unit can safely land even after the unlikely motor loss. The closed fuselage structure protects internal components from rain and dust. Due to its foldable arm design, the Quad-8 allows for easier transport. Quad-8 supports tethered operation with various payloads such as communication devices, EO/IR cameras, cUAS radars, illumination panels, or other custom devices up to 20 lbs.	Hovering Altitude: 400 ft Proven Flight Endurance: 108 hr Payload Capacity: 20 lbs Unfolded Diameter (excluding props): 740 x 740 mm Unfolded Diameter (including Props): 1240 x 1240 mm Folded Diameter: 530 x 530 mm Height: 430 mm Number of Motors: 8 Number of Arms: 4 Motor Max Continuous Power Output: 35 A (per Motor) Motor Configuration: 24N28P Motor Ingress Protection: IP45 Equivalent KV: 170 rpm/V Dimensions: 22.2 x 7.2 in Material: Carbon fiber and Epoxy Propeller Orientation: (2) CW and (2) CCW (push) and (2) CW and (2) CCW (pull) Propeller Options: Foldable, winglet tip – low vortex Nominal Battery Voltage and C: 44.4V – 150C Battery Capacity: 6500 mAh Backup Battery Flight Time: 12-6 minutes (depends on payload) Battery Connectors: XT-90 Charge Rate: 5C Fast Charge Capable Maximum Gross Weight: 20 kg / 44 lb No Payload Weight: 10.89 kg / 24 lb Maximum Payload weight: 9 kg / 20 lb Hovering Accuracy: Vertical: ±0.5 m (GPS) Horizontal: ±1.5 m (GPS enabled) Max Pitch Angle: 25° Ascend and Descend Speed: Ascend: 0.7 m/s Descend： 0.5 m/s Descend (last 10m) : 0.3 m/s Moving Radius: 20 meters (geofence) Environment: Max Wind Resistance 30 mph (gust) Operating Temperature -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122° F) Can fly in light and moderate rain up to 7.6 mm (0.30 in) per hour. Supported GNSS: GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo Case Exterior: 26.50 x 26.50 x 25.25 in (67.3 x 67.3 x 64.1 cm)
Quad-Light	Tethered Drone System	Zenith Aerotech	Link	Zenith Aerotech’s Quad-Light tethered drone system provides advanced power, payload, and endurance over other systems on the market today. It is designed and built in the US and is NDAA compliant. The frame and support structures are fabricated from lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber. The design is durable, allows for flexible payloads, and offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The closed fuselage structure protects internal components from rain and dust. The motor arms and blades are field-replaceable, utilizing a quick-release design. Due to its detachable arm design, the Quad-Light allows for easier transport. Quad-Light supports the tethered operation and various payloads such as communication devices, EO/IR cameras, or other custom devices up to 8 lbs.	Hovering Altitude: 400 ft, Proven Flight Endurance: 108 hr, Unfolded Diameter (excluding props): 850 x 850 mm, Unfolded Diameter (including Props): 1400 x 1400 mm, Folded Diameter: 500 x 500 mm, Height: 450 mm, Number of Motors: 4, Number of Arms: 4, Motor Max Continuous Power Output: 29.3 A (per Motor), Motor Configuration: 36N42P, Motor Ingress Protection: IP45, Equivalent KV: 100 rpm/V, Dimensions: 28.2 x 9.2 in, Material: Carbon fiber and Epoxy, Propeller Orientation: (2) CW and (2) CCW, Propeller Options: Foldable, winglet tip – low vortex, Nominal Battery Voltage and C: 44.4V – 150C, Battery Capacity: 3250 mAh, Backup Battery Flight Time: 12-6 minutes (depends on payload), Battery Connectors: XT-90, Charge Rate: 5C Fast Charge Capable, Maximum Gross Weight: 10.9 kg / 24 lb, No Payload Weight: 7.3 kg / 16 lb, Maximum Payload weight: 3.6 kg / 8 lb, Hovering Accuracy: Vertical: ±0.5 m (GPS) Horizontal: ±1.5 m (GPS enabled), Max Pitch Angle: 25°, Ascend and Descend Speed: Ascend: 0.7 m/s Descend： 0.5 m/s Descend (last 10m) : 0.3 m/s, Moving Radius: 20 meters (geofence), Environment: Max Wind Resistance 30 mph (gust) Operating Temperature -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122° F) Can fly in light and moderate rain up to 7.6 mm (0.30 in) per hour, Supported GNSS: GPS/Glonass/Beidou/Galileo, Case Exterior: 26.50 x 26.50 x 25.25 in (67.3 x 67.3 x 64.1 cm)
RS1000 Power Tether System	Drone Tether System	Blue Vigil	Link	The RS1000 power tether system from Blue Vigil provides a robust, easy-to-use power tether system for DJI’s M300, M210/200, Inspire, and most other commercial drones. It eliminates the need for frequent battery replacement, enabling unlimited hover and continuous operation of your payload. The system is compatible with most commercial drones that use 4S or 6S batteries with air module mounting kits. It also features an easy connect and disconnect mechanism, a 90 m extended cable length, enhanced tension management, a USB Port/Battery Charging Port, and a heavy-duty Pelican case for easy transport. It can be powered by either 110 V or 220 V power input and has an optional Ethernet connection. The system also has thermal overload shutdown protection and is made and serviced in America.	Connect and disconnect: In seconds Extended cable length: 90 m Tension management: Enhanced, keeps a constant tension on the cable USB Port/Battery Charging Port: Yes Transport: Easy, with heavy-duty Pelican case Power input: 110 V/220 V Ethernet connection: Optional Thermal overload shutdown protection: Yes Made and serviced: In America

How much do tethered drone solutions typically cost?

Tethered drone systems are known for their various benefits, including their reduced risk of crashes due to human or technical errors, longer flight durations compared to free-flying drones, and the ability to capture more explicit images and video footage. 

These advantages make them valuable tools for various applications, such as law enforcement, military operations, search and rescue missions, journalism, and even agriculture.

Now, you might be wondering how much these tethered solutions typically cost. 

Although providing an exact figure is difficult, it primarily depends on the base system, which can start at a few thousand dollars. 

This investment includes a tether station compatible with commonly-used drones like the DJI M300. 

Besides the base system, additional costs may be incurred for specific sensors or payloads that suit your needs.

The more complex and mission-critical systems can cost in excess of $200,000.

How can you get started with tethered drone systems for your application?

Getting started with tethered drone systems for your application is simpler due to their advantages over free-flying drones. 

To begin leveraging tethers or tethered drones, follow these simple steps:

1. Know the regulations that govern compliance for your operations. Review FAA rules and best practice recommendations. Ensure you are familiar with and understand your local and state regulations.
2. Identify the right power requirements. This will depend on how long you expect to fly persistently and the power consumption of the drone and sensors attached.
3. Identify the right tether length. This will be driven by how high you wish to fly.
4. Understand the benefits: Before investing in tethered drones, it’s crucial to understand their advantages. 
5. Choose the right tethered drone technology: Select a system that best suits your mission. 
6. Train your staff: Once you’ve chosen a suitable tethered drone stack, ensure your employees are adequately trained in its use. This will guarantee maximum efficiency and safety during inspections.
7. Implement the tethered drone in your processes. Measure performance closely.
8. Monitor and maintain: Continuously track your tethered system performance, keep up with industry standards and regulations, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure ongoing efficiency and
   effectiveness.

Summary

In conclusion, tethered drone systems offer numerous benefits for industries and public safety applications. 

These unmanned aerial vehicles are connected to a ground-based power source via a tether, which provides enhanced stability, security, and extended flight times. 

Some of the distinct advantages of tethered drones include:

• Reduced risk of crashes due to technical or human error
• Longer flight durations compared to conventional drones
• Enhanced image and video quality due to tether-based stability
• Versatility in a wide range of applications such as military and law enforcement, disaster response, agriculture, and atmospheric research

Despite these benefits, it is crucial to know the applicable regulations and follow proper protocol when using tethered drones. 

As industries continue to innovate and adapt, the power of tethered drone systems will undoubtedly play an essential role in the future of aerial surveillance, monitoring, and data collection.