As the chief drone pilot at your department, you may receive calls to respond and provide overwatch at a large public event or respond to an unfolding crisis. While your drone is portable and is quick to deploy, you need continuous aerial oversight, but your battery only lasts 30 minutes.
What if you could keep that drone in the air longer, providing real-time intelligence without interruption?
Tethered drone systems give public safety teams the ability to maintain constant eyes in the sky for extended operations.
In this article we’ll explore how tethered drones are offering reliable, continuous, and real-time situational awareness, quickly making them an asset for agencies nationwide.
What is a Tethered Drone System?
A tethered drone system consists of a drone connected to a ground-based power source via a cable, allowing for extended flight times and continuous data transmission. To better understand how these systems work, let’s break down their key components.
Key Components of a Tethered Drone System
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Tether
The cable that connects the drone to the ground, providing power and secure data transfer. -
Power Supply
Powers the drone through the tether, ensuring uninterrupted flight for long durations. -
Control Station
The operational hub that allows the operator to control the drone and access real-time sensor data. -
Drone
The aircraft performs aerial tasks, equipped for continuous operation via the tether. -
Camera/Sensor Payload
Collects data during flight, including visual, thermal, or other sensor information based on mission needs.
Tethered vs. Untethered Drones
Before investing in a drone tether system, it’s important to understand the strengths and limitations of both tethered and untethered systems.
Tethered Drones:
- Pros:
- Unlimited flight time with continuous power supply.
- Stable, reliable connection with secure data transmission.
- Reduced risk of flyaways or signal loss.
- Cons:
- Limited range due to the tether’s physical constraints.
- Less maneuverable for dynamic operations.
Untethered Drones:
- Pros:
- Greater range and mobility for covering large areas.
- Flexibility to respond quickly in dynamic situations.
- Cons:
- Limited flight time due to battery life.
- Potential for signal interference and loss of communication.
Public Safety Use Cases for Tethered Drones
Tethered drones offer significant advantages in a range of public safety scenarios, particularly when continuous aerial coverage and stable real-time data are critical.
1. Crowd Monitoring (Events/Protests)
Managing large crowds during public events or protests requires constant oversight to ensure safety and order. Tethered drones provide continuous surveillance from above, allowing command staff to track crowd movements and identify potential flashpoints, helping to coordinate ground teams effectively.
2. Traffic Monitoring
For traffic management during large events or critical incidents, tethered drones offer real-time monitoring of vehicle flow. This aerial view helps managers optimize traffic routes, identify bottlenecks, and respond to accidents or emergencies quickly.
3. Overwatch for Tactical Operations
In high-risk situations like active shooter incidents or SWAT operations, tethered drones provide uninterrupted surveillance of the target area. This allows command teams to monitor movements and coordinate tactical responses in real time.
5. Firefighting Use Cases
In fire emergencies, especially structural fires or wildfires, tethered drones provide continuous thermal imaging to monitor hotspots and track fire movement. This oversight helps fire captains allocate resources and keep crews safe.
Recent FAA Updates on Tethered Drones
The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act introduced key updates that impact the operation of tethered drones in public safety. One of the most important changes is the expanded operational flexibility for tethered drones. Here’s what drone pilots need to know:
- No Part 107 Certification Required: Public safety personnel, including volunteers, can now operate tethered drones without holding a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This simplifies deployment for teams and reduces the administrative burden.
- Expanded Airspace Access: Tethered drones can now operate in previously restricted areas, including urban zones and near airports, during emergency or life-saving missions, without needing a Certificate of Authorization (COA).
- Altitude Restrictions: Tethered drone operations are still subject to an altitude limit of 150 feet above ground level (AGL) in controlled airspace, ensuring safe integration with other air traffic.
These changes streamline the deployment of tethered drones for public safety, allowing for faster response times and more efficient operations in critical situations.
Top Drone Tether Solutions for Public Safety
Now that we've covered regulatory updates, let’s look at some leading tethered drone systems available on the market.
Volarious V-Line Pro
The Volarious V-Line Pro is a high-performance tethering solution designed to extend the flight time of the DJI’s most popular enterprise platforms. This system allows continuous power delivery, ensuring that drones can stay airborne for extended operations, making it ideal for public safety applications such as overwatch, search and rescue, and surveillance.
Key Features:
- Compatible with the DJI Matrice 350, DJI Matrice 30, Autel EVO Max 4T, and Vantage Robotics Vesper.
- Seamless integration for extended flight time.
- Portable and easy to deploy in the field.
- Real-time data transmission via the tether.
- Tether Length: 70-100 meters (depending on drone model).
- Power Output: 1800W continuous.
- Deployment Time: Rapid setup for immediate deployment.
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C.
Elistair Ligh-T 4
The Elistair Ligh-T 4 is a compact and highly portable tethered drone station, designed to provide continuous overwatch for extended operations. It’s compatible with a range of drones, including the DJI M350 and M30 series, offering flexibility in public safety and emergency response applications. The system is ready for deployment in less than five minutes.
Key Features:
- Multi-drone compatibility (supports DJI Matrice 300, Matrice 350, Matrice 30, and more).
- Ultra-light 70m micro tether for persistent flight.
- Seamless switch between tethered and free-flying drone operations within seconds.
- Proven performance with first responders in over 60 countries
- Operating Height: 70 meters (230 feet).
- Power Output: Up to 1200W continuous power.
- Deployment Time: Less than 5 minutes.
- Tether Weight: 500 grams.
Fotokite Sigma
The Fotokite Sigma is a fully integrated tethered drone system specifically built for public safety teams, offering critical situational awareness without the need for piloting. Unlike other tethered solutions, the Fotokite Sigma comes as a standalone system, including the drone, tether, and all necessary components. Designed for rapid deployment, it can be launched with the push of a button and provide continuous flight for up to 24 hours.
Key Features:
- Fully integrated system—no need for third-party drones.
- Operates autonomously—no piloting required.
- Dual RGB and thermal camera streams for comprehensive situational awareness.
- Designed to operate in extreme weather conditions (IP55 rated).
- Authorized as exempt from FAA Part 107 and COA regulations.
Key Specs:
- Maximum Altitude: 150 feet (45 meters).
- Flight Time: 24+ hours.
- Weight: 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg) carbon fiber frame.
- Camera Options: Dual thermal and zoom RGB camera with 16x optical and digital zoom.
- Power Supply: Integrated vehicle power or transport case.
Unlock Uninterrupted Flight for Smarter Operations
Tethered drone systems enhance public safety operations by offering continuous overwatch, extended flight times, and real-time data transmission, without the need for constant battery swaps. These advantages enable first responders to maintain uninterrupted situational awareness during critical missions.
Ready to elevate your mission capabilities? Connect with Advexure’s Public Safety Team today for a customized quote and discover how tethered drone systems can seamlessly integrate into your operations.
