Elistair and Exail have partnered to integrate the Khronos automated tethered DroneBox onto Exail’s DriX Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), providing maritime operators with continuous aerial surveillance launched directly from the vessel.
The combination extends surveillance beyond the reach of the platform’s surface radar and cameras while allowing personnel to remain safely on shore. Khronos streams live, encrypted video over a secure data link, providing real-time imagery even in contested or GNSS-denied environments.
Powered through its tether, the Khronos drone can fly at a height of 60 meters for up to 24 hours. Its autonomous deployment and “follow-me” capability enable it to remain stationed above the vessel while the DriX is under way.
The configuration is suited to coastal surveillance, port and critical infrastructure protection, wide-area maritime monitoring, counter-trafficking operations, and search and rescue.
Guilhem de Marliave, CEO of Elistair, commented, “Integrating a tethered drone on an autonomous vessel marks a major step forward for maritime surveillance. Surface sensors stop at the horizon; flown from the DriX, Khronos lifts that limit with a persistent, mobile view that stays airborne for hours. For operators, that means wider coverage and earlier detection, with no crew at sea.”
The DriX was designed as an open platform capable of integrating new payloads as operational requirements evolve.
Stéphane Vannuffelen, Maritime Autonomy Solution Technical Director at Exail, added, “DriX was designed as an open platform, able to integrate new payloads as operational needs evolve. The integration of Khronos adds a persistent aerial perspective to the vessel’s existing surveillance capabilities, significantly extending the monitored area.”
