Tethered Surveillance Drone
Tethered DroneThreat: LowOpen-Source Referenced
A multirotor drone connected to a ground station by a power/data cable, providing virtually unlimited endurance. Acts as a persistent elevated sensor platform, a poor man's aerostat. Used for perimeter security, base defense, convoy overwatch, and event surveillance.
Technical Specifications
range
0 km (stationary: tethered to ground)
speed
0 km/h (stationary hover)
payload
2–10 kg (cameras, sensors, relays)
endurance
24+ hours (continuous power via tether)
frequency
Wired data link (no RF emissions for control)
cost Estimate
$20,000–$200,000
altitude
50–150 m (limited by tether length)
weight
5–25 kg (drone only)
Tactical Roles
ReconnaissanceISR
Advantages
- + Unlimited endurance: powered from the ground
- + Persistent overhead ISR without crew rotation
- + Wired data link: immune to RF jamming
- + Lower cost than manned aircraft or aerostats
- + Quick deployment for temporary surveillance
- + Can carry comms relay equipment for extending range
Disadvantages
- − Stationary: cannot maneuver or reposition quickly
- − Tether limits altitude and is a physical vulnerability
- − Easy to detect due to static position
- − Vulnerable to small arms, snipers, and artillery
- − Limited to base/perimeter defense roles
- − Wind and weather affect stability
Real-World Usage
- ▸ Elistair Orion: tethered ISR used by French and US forces
- ▸ FLIR SkyRanger tethered variant for base protection
- ▸ Israeli military using tethered drones along borders
- ▸ Used at major events (Olympics, summits) for security surveillance
Counters This Drone
Countermeasures ranked by effectiveness: tap any system for detailsi
Shotgun / Small Arms InterceptHighLaser Directed Energy WeaponHighCounter-UAS Radar SystemHighAcoustic Detection SystemHighInterceptor Drone (Drone-on-Drone)HighCyber Takeover / Protocol ExploitationHighC-UAS Autocannon / Dedicated AA GunHighAnti-Drone Laser DazzlerHighAutomated Light C-UAS Turret / Remote Weapon StationHighNet Gun / Net LauncherMediumHigh-Power Microwave (HPM)MediumSmoke / Obscurant ScreenMediumLocalized EMP DeviceMediumAI Vision Detection (EO/IR)MediumIntegrated C-UAS Battle Management (Sensor Fusion)MediumSmart Fire-Control OpticLowProgrammable Airburst Cannon (30/35/40mm)LowPassive Bistatic / Multistatic RadarLowRF Jamming SystemNoneGPS Spoofing / Navigation WarfareNoneDirectional EW Rifle / Jammer GunNoneMANPADS (Stinger/Igla class)NoneRF Detection / Spectrum AnalyzerNoneFiber-Optic Specific CountermeasuresNoneMedium/Long-Range SAM SystemNonePhysical Overhead ProtectionNoneDecoys / Signature ManagementNoneMan-Portable EW BackpackNoneNet-Carrying Interceptor DroneNonePassive RF GeolocationNoneHardened PNT / CRPA AntennaNoneAnti-FPV Net Tunnels & CurtainsNoneAcoustic Resonance Disruption (LRAD-class)None