DPI UAV Systems has demonstrated the deployment of its LANTERN tethered Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) from an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), validating the system’s ability to provide persistent elevated capability during maritime operations.
The testing campaign evaluated launch and recovery procedures, underway flight performance, and system stability while operating in a dynamic maritime environment. During the trials, LANTERN completed multiple takeoff and landing evolutions while the host vessel travelled at speeds of up to 10 knots.
Following the initial launch and recovery phase, the tethered UAS remained deployed at altitudes of up to 200 feet above ground level while the USV increased speed to 20 knots. According to DPI UAV Systems, the testing validated stable flight performance, tether management, and host vehicle tracking during underway operations.
Additional trials assessed system stability during dynamic vessel maneuvers, including 90-degree and 180-degree turns conducted while the aircraft remained fully deployed. The testing enabled evaluation of aircraft tracking and tether performance throughout changing vessel movements and course transitions.
The company said the demonstration highlighted LANTERN’s ability to operate from both crewed and uncrewed maritime platforms while extending sensing and communications capabilities beyond the limitations of surface-level systems alone.
By elevating payloads up to 200 feet above the waterline, operators can improve line-of-sight awareness, extend communications range, and increase the time available to detect and assess potential threats or areas of interest.
DPI UAV Systems continues to expand integration of the LANTERN system across military and security platforms supporting missions that require persistent ISR, communications extension, and elevated sensing capabilities in complex operational environments.
