British unmanned systems developer Evolve Dynamics has introduced a new solution for UAVs that can increase the autonomy of tethered drones several times, Defence Blog reports.
A new system called Infinity Tether, which is compatible with Evolve Dynamics' Sky Mantis 2 and Wolfe UAVs, allows the drone to stay in the air for up to 48 hours while simultaneously protecting it from coordinate changes or other radio communication problems.
Evolve Dynamics describes Infinity Tether as a platform that allows the drone to hover at an adjustable height of up to 100 meters and conduct long-term surveillance of the territory. This system allows it to operate even in conditions of no GPS signal or when electronic warfare systems are operating, as the drone is connected to the operator's console using a cable connection with a speed of 100 Mbps. The Infinity Tether module weighs 13.2 kg, and the cable length reaches 100 meters.
Infinity Tether system
Evolve Dynamics
The system's design allows operators to maintain constant aerial surveillance over a defined area, such as a base perimeter, critical infrastructure facility, or forward position.
The Infinity Tether system also features a Hot-Drop feature, which allows operators to instantly disconnect the cable and transition from “tethered mode” to battery-powered free flight. This option provides up to 30 minutes of battery life. There is also a hot-swappable battery option, allowing the drone to be up and running again quickly.
Oboronka adds that this is a variant of the well-known PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology, which allows data and power to be transmitted over a single twisted pair cable. Starlink antennas and many network equipment in data centers operate on the same principle. This is different from drones on fiber optics, because only data can be transmitted there.
It was previously reported that China is developing an alternative to the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 with satellite communication. This drone should be a "long-range" solution, thanks to the ability to fly for up to 20 hours. AVIC is currently testing the UAV.