Applications / Use Cases
Mobile tethered UAS applications
Tethered UAS have may important applications where it is necessary to maintain mobility, which is where AVEM provides unique advantages.
Equipped with imaging sensors, AVEM supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. A tethered UAS makes possible an ISR mission while remaining behind cover, where the sensor can look above and beyond buildings, embankments, trees, or other obstructions. While it may not be necessary to move constantly, AVEM allows users launch to quickly reposition without having to land, pack, and redeploy the aircraft, which consumes valuable time where the sensor is not in use. Repositioning during flight helps users find improved vantage points during a long flight without taking eyes off a target.
Tethered UAS on light tactical vehicle
Mobile ISR is also extremely useful for long, linear missions where a user may cover many miles, such as patrolling a border or large facility. The elevated sensor position allows for improved situational awareness.
AVEM can elevate a radio relay payload to extend the range and reliability of a communication network while on the move. Modern comms networks may consist of tens or even hundreds of nodes spread over a large area and consisting of dismounted personnel, vehicles, and robots of all varieties. This is especially important when operating in diverse terrain that includes hills, canyons, and trees.
Comms relay is also valuable for maritime operations, where it acts as an elevated antenna to extend the communications range while at sea, as well as connect to unmanned vessels that may only have low profile antennas at water level.
Boats are always moving, so operating tethered drones from them requires a high degree of autonomy, including precision launching and landing, station-keeping, and active tether management while the vessel transits, rolls, and heaves at sea.
AVEM can be launched quickly from manned and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). Due to the available networked interface, AVEM can be remotely operated in all phases of flight. AVEM does not require coordinated control with the vehicle, so it can be easily swapped from one vehicle type to another.
AVEM can be operated from stationary positions and still benefit from push-button, GPS-denied operation day or night.
Last modified 5mo ago