David Daly<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”18px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” body_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”16px” image_icon_custom_margin=”|||10px|false|false” width=”70%” custom_margin=”23px|25px||0px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”23px|||-170px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImN1c3RvbSIsImN1c3RvbV9kYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImogTSBZIn19@[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”}||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”19px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”16px” image_icon_custom_margin=”|||10px|false|false” width=”70%” custom_margin=”23px|||-90px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”23px|||-150px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
10 minutes<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text content_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_class=”socialnetworkcustomshare” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”20px” custom_margin_tablet=”|-30px|||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|0px|||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Share the article<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”GT America Extended Medium||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ inline_fonts=”GT America Extended Ultra Light Italic,GT America Extended Light Italic,GT America Extended Medium,GT America Extended Regular” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
As tactical communications continue to advance, military forces around the world are adopting defense UAV technology. Tethered military drones offer several significant benefits, making this platform a vital tool for warfighters\u00a0and\u00a0first responders.<\/p>\n
Soldiers are becoming nodes within a greater network of information collection and dissemination. Miniature drones, augmented-reality headsets, and improved communications gear are becoming part of the modern soldier\u2019s combat load.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Tactical-comms-2.jpg” title_text=”Soldier is Using Laptop Computer for Tracking the Target and Radio for Communication During Military Operation in the Desert” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”GT America Extended Medium||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” inline_fonts=”GT America Extended Regular,GT America Extended Medium” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Tactical Communications: Where Tethered Drones Fit In<\/h2>\n
To make mobile networks work better, we need tools that help us use these systems effectively. A shift to decentralized decision-making is essential for this. Defense drones are a force multiplier in this space.<\/p>\n
- \n
- These aerial platforms are excellent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) collection assets.<\/li>\n
- You can also use them to create and expand mobile networks. We achieve this without losing the warfighter’s need for mobility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Many advantages exist for using drones for tactical communications<\/a><\/span>. UAV technology is easy to set up and requires little time to do so, allowing rapid deployment. ISR aircrafts can extend the range of a mobile network while keeping soldiers safe from dangerous RF exposure.<\/p>\n
The unlimited autonomy of tethered drones<\/h3>\n
One major drawback of using untethered drones for network coverage and ISR is their short flight time. Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries power most untethered drones. On average, these types of batteries can sustain flight times of\u00a020\u00a0to\u00a030\u00a0minutes. Even the most ambitious designs can only remain in flight for an hour or so.<\/p>\n
Combat environments require constant ISR coverage, and future combat environments will require consistent mobile networks. Even hour-long flight durations are not acceptable for this task. Les drones filaires<\/strong>, by contrast, have near limitless power<\/strong> and thus can stay airborne for long periods.<\/p>\n
Elistair\u2019s Orion 2 drone utilizes the\u00a0SAFE-T 2\u00a0tethered\u00a0drone\u00a0station<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>as its ground power station. The SAFE-T 2 is a modular metallic structure, compact. You can easily integrate it into military and law enforcement vehicles.<\/p>\n
Where traditional setups can take hours tethered systems can be ready 15 minutes. With the SAFE-T 2 base station, the Orion 2 can stay airborne for a full 50 hours, acting as a variable height antenna<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/tethered-drone-orion-in-the-sky.jpg” alt=”Surveillance drone” title_text=”tethered-drone-orion-in-the-sky” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”900px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_testimonial author=”Mr. Hickey” job_title=”Managing Director at Omega Dev Group and Australian Defence Force Veteran” portrait_url=”https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blair-Hickey.jpg” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#1E1E1E” body_font_size=”20px” author_font=”||||||||” author_text_color=”#1E1E1E” author_font_size=”18px” position_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
“Having the antenna at a high level by its very nature will keep the RF away from people and will reduce the possibility of people coming into areas where the RF is at a high level.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_line_height=”1.6em” header_3_font=”GT America Extended Medium||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” header_3_font_size_tablet=”” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” inline_fonts=”GT America Extended Medium” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Tethered UAVs for tactical communications require no specific training<\/h3>\n
Flying untethered drones is an acquired skill. Becoming a proficient drone pilot requires many hours of training.<\/p>\n
To become skilled, a pilot usually needs at least 50 flight hours. However, many experts say that professional pilots should have 200-300 hours. This time should include flying in different conditions and using various types of UAVs.<\/p>\n
Tethered drones, like Khronos<\/a>,<\/span> eliminate the need for hours of training and flight time. Because the platform is static, users can easily create and keep situational awareness with just a click. There is no need for advanced drone flying skills.<\/p>\n
The Limitations of Ground-Based Equipment<\/h2>\n
For most militaries, the telecommunications world is a centralized model shifting to a decentralized network. The old model looks at warfare from the viewpoint of the commander. Engineers designed telecommunications equipment to send information up the chain of command. The model proved effective when decision-makers removed themselves from frontline combat elements.<\/p>\n
Users often pair radios such as SINCGARS with mobile antenna units like the OE-254 to increase their effectiveness. The OE-254 is a ground-based antenna system. It takes time to set up<\/strong>, which makes it less suitable for units that need to move quickly.<\/p>\n
Typically, several soldiers need to work together to erect the antenna and secure it to the ground. Rough terrain also causes issues when using systems like the OE-254. The loss of the line of sight<\/strong> between antennas and radio systems creates dead space.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Mark Stone” job_title=”Business Development and tactical communications integration projects at Federal Resources and Special forces communicator for 25 years” portrait_url=”https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Mark-Stone.png” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#1E1E1E” body_font_size=”20px” author_font=”||||||||” author_text_color=”#1E1E1E” author_font_size=”18px” position_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Network ranges expand and contract as the operation develops. Having a node on a measurable medium allows us to increase our network\u2019s range and\/or decrease our network\u2019s range simply by raising or lowering the drone.<\/em>\u201d <\/strong><\/span>Mark continues by stating that raising the antenna by every 5 feet adds a half-mile of range to the network.\u00a0\u201cRaising the node above trees, buildings, and vehicles will greatly enhance a high-gain antenna\u2019s line of sight properties. Clear line of sight is vital.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#1E1E1E” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_2_font=”GT America Extended Regular||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”34px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”GT America Extended Medium||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”34px” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” inline_fonts=”GT America Extended Regular” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Tethered drones can expand the network node<\/h3>\n
Tethered systems are a much better option when compared to the OE-254 and systems like it. Mark A Stone, a C4\/ISR Business Rep\/SME at Federal Solutions, expands on this point.<\/p>\n
The modern soldier requires collecting and acting on ISR to shoot, move, and communicate. Radios that only send and receive voice messages do not help much in this effort. In some cases, they can even make it harder for soldiers to be effective.<\/p>\n
Additionally, legacy military communication systems<\/strong> lack many of the advantages seen in their commercial counterparts. They have combat advantages like modulation, encryption, and amplification. However, they usually only transmit voice using FM, AM, and MSK.<\/p>\n
Commercial units can transmit voice, data, location, and SMS over QAM, QPSK, and DSS. The commercial units are much better equipped<\/strong> to handle IoT and the decentralized network model.<\/p>\n
In a time when radios are more like network devices, FM, AM, and MSK are not enough. They cannot meet the bandwidth and data needs of today\u2019s and future conflicts.<\/p>\n
Communication assets that rely on satellites<\/strong> are also a part of modern telecommunication assets but have their own limitations<\/strong>. In most cases, companies own the satellites that the military uses, not the government. This forces the government to rely on outside parties to keep these systems operational. Adversaries could also target satellites and render satellite-based communications useless.<\/p>\n
Satellite communications have a practical limitation. They enable communication beyond the line of sight.<\/p>\n
However, electronic warfare and cyber-attacks can disrupt them. With more IoT devices on the battlefield, satellite<\/strong> tactiques do not have enough bandwidth<\/strong>. They struggle to handle many new nodes quickly.<\/p>\n
The demand for bandwidth is increasing due to new telecommunications technology. Adding more satellites will be challenging to meet this demand. To be an effective fighting force, soldiers on the ground must become part of a mobile network.<\/p>\n
Designers will need to create radios of the future as part of a software-defined network. These mobile networks and their nodes need support from assets like tethered drones. These drones will help increase their range and power while keeping mobility intact.<\/p>\n
Mobility is key for modern warfighters<\/h2>\n
Combatants will need to be constantly on the move. Mobile networks are the best solution for supporting this type of fighting.<\/p>\n
The United States Army thinks tactical networks will work well if they have mobile command posts. They also need secure wireless communications, strong cybersecurity, and edge computing. It is a view shared by many forces around the world.<\/p>\n
Commanders now realize that spending hours to set up command tents uses a lot of resources. This also reduces their situational awareness. This type of setup limits the flexibility of the warfighter and makes maintaining the tempo of military operations difficult.<\/p>\n
The important use of wireless systems<\/h3>\n
The move from tethered communications to wireless has been historically slow for militaries around the world. A change must come in the form of small encrypted wireless systems serving various roles across the battlefield.<\/p>\n
Soldiers can transfer and receive information over WiFi, LTE, and MIMO. They can also use Mobile Network-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MN-MIMO).<\/p>\n
MN-MIMO<\/strong>\u00a0is particularly interesting. This advanced waveform can provide reliable, high bandwidth, mesh video and data communications even in restrictive environments such as combat theaters. MN-MIMO combines multiple antennas and digital signal processing to enhance the performance of wireless mesh networks (MANET).<\/p>\n
The system can even be attached to drones like\u00a0the\u00a0Orion\u00a02\u00a0for added expansion of the network\u2019s range. Aerial relays, like those created with tethered drones, allow for rapid set up and continuous situational awareness. Advances like this will become the requirement for any military looking to stay competitive.<\/p>\n
Mobile networks will need to have the ability to withstand cyber-attacks from adversary forces. The mobility of these networks will help achieve this goal. They leave a smaller digital footprint than older setups. Large, established bases have many systems that are easy targets for attacks.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tactical communications: the role of tethered dronesDavid Daly10 minutesShare the articleAs tactical communications continue to advance, military forces around the world are adopting defense UAV technology. Tethered military drones offer several significant benefits, making this platform a vital tool for warfighters\u00a0and\u00a0first responders. Soldiers are becoming nodes within a greater network of information collection and dissemination. […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22057,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
As tactical telecommunications continue to advance, military forces around the world are experimenting with and adopting UAV technology. Tethered drones offer several significant benefits, making this platform an indispensable tool for warfighters and first responders. Serious consideration should be given to tethered drones and how this resource is a force multiplier for frontline operations.<\/p>
The modern battlefield is rapidly changing. Militaries worldwide are embracing technology<\/a> that is forcing many countries to rethink what programs are most important to support their future military needs. Platforms that have been staples of military arsenals for centuries are becoming obsolete as advances in UAVs, precision weapons, and telecommunications dilute their effectiveness. For example, in the United States, the Marine Corps conducted a series of wargames between 2018 and 2019 that solidified their decision to divest<\/a> in tanks, artillery, infantry units, and light attack air platforms.<\/p>
Technology is rapidly creating highly effective ground units with increased mobility, telecommunications advantages, and heightened lethality. Soldiers are becoming nodes within a greater network of information collection and dissemination. Miniature drones<\/a>, augmented-reality<\/a> headsets, and improved communications gear are becoming part of the modern soldier's combat load. To take full advantage of the technological advances<\/a>, many of the limitations present in current telecommunications solutions will need to be addressed.<\/p>
Where Tethered Drones Fit In<\/strong><\/h2>
The need for mobile networks and a shift to decentralized decision-making will only be possible with tools that maximize the benefits of these systems. Drones are a force multiplier in this space. Not only are these aerial platforms excellent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection assets, but they can also be utilized to establish and extend the range of mobile networks without sacrificing the warfighter's need for mobility.<\/p>
There are many advantages to using drones for telecommunications. UAV technology is easy to set up and requires little time to do so. Drones can be used to extend the range of a mobile network and can do so while keeping soldiers safe from dangerous RF exposure.<\/p>
Drones can be free-flying platforms or tethered. When a drone is tethered, it essentially has a cable that connects it to a base station on the ground. There are pros and cons to using both untethered and tethered drones. There are several reasons why tethered drones are a much better<\/a> tool for use in this application.<\/p>
Advantages to using tethered drones, in general, are significant in many use cases. Common limitations of untethered drones include limited flight times, increased safety risk, antenna interference, and the need for a trained pilot. Let us explore each of these further.<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-Drone-Aerial-Antenna-2-169x300.jpg\")
<\/p>Unlimited autonomy is the first critical benefit of tethered drones<\/h4>
Perhaps the most critical drawback to using untethered drones to expand network coverage and collect ISR is their limited flight time. Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries power most untethered drones. On average, these types of batteries can sustain flight times of 20 to 30 minutes<\/a>. Even the most ambitious designs can only remain in flight for an hour or so.<\/p>
Combat environments require constant ISR coverage, and future combat environments will require consistent mobile networks. Even hour-long flight durations are not acceptable for this task. Tethered drones, by contrast, have near limitless power and thus can stay airborne for long periods of time.<\/p>
Elistair's Orion 2 drone utilizes the SAFE-T 2 tethered drone station<\/a> as its base station. The SAFE-T 2 is a modular metallic structure, compact, and can easily be integrated into military and law enforcement vehicles. When connected to a power source, the SAFE-T 2 can provide power to the Orion 2. The dual-comms option integrates fiber optic and BPL data links in parallel, allowing for unmatched speeds and secure data transfer. The logistical footprint for the entire system is very small. Traditional setups can take hours before the node is operational. With the base station, Orion 2, and a tactical radio, soldiers can begin their operations in 15 minutes. With the SAFE-T 2 base station, the Orion 2 can stay airborne for a full 24 hours.<\/p>
Keeping soldiers safe from radio frequencies, jamming risks and fly aways<\/h4>
![\"radios\"](\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drones-frontline-operations-300x169.png\")
<\/p>From a safety perspective, untethered drones can fly away<\/a> as telecommunication antennas, and other electronic interferences confuse the drone. Tethered drones do not have this problem as their signals are fed to the aircraft through the tether line. In combat, this keeps drones from being jammed or flying away. Soldiers can avoid injury from falling drones and degraded network performance, both potential life-threatening situations in war.<\/p>
Another safety benefit to tethered drone use has been identified by Blair Hickey, Managing Director at Omega Dev Group. To maintain connectivity, line of sight must be maintained. This often means raising the antenna higher and higher. As the height increases, soldiers risk falls and a greater chance of exposure to dangerous RF levels<\/a>. Mr. Hickey notes<\/strong>, \"Having the antenna at a high level by its very nature will keep the RF away from people and will reduce the possibility of people coming into areas where the RF is at a high level.\" Expanding on his point further, Hickey says, \"In general, placing an antenna system higher in the air enhances its communications capabilities and also reduces the chance of RF exposure and electromagnetic interference.\"<\/strong><\/p>
Tethered drones are easy to deploy<\/h4>
Flying untethered drones is an acquired skill. Becoming a proficient drone pilot requires many hours of training. A minimum of 50 flight hours is typical to become proficient, but many experts argue that professional pilots need 200-300 hours of flight time in various conditions flying different types of UAVs before they become experts.
Soldiers worldwide are already burdened by the amount of knowledge and training they are given. It is not realistic to expect the warfighter to learn even more skills for the added benefit of employing drones. Tethered drones, like the Orion 2, eliminate the need for hours of training and flight time. As a result of the platform's static nature, users can establish and maintain situational awareness at the click of a button. There is no need for advanced drone flying skills.<\/p>Existing Solutions & The Limitations of Ground-Based Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>
For most militaries, the telecommunications world is a centralized model shifting to a decentralized network<\/a>. The old model looks at warfare from the viewpoint of the commander. Telecommunications equipment was designed to send information up the chain of command. It was an effective model when the decision-makers were removed from frontline combat elements. As telecommunications technology has made its way to the ground pounder, centralized systems have become less effective. The evolution from Vietnam-era man-portable<\/a> radios to SINCGARS<\/a> units, which first fielded in the early 90s, showed a more extraordinary ability to inform the commanders, but little changed for the tip of the spear warfighter.<\/p>
Radios such as SINCGARS are often paired with mobile antenna units<\/a> such as the OE-254 to increase their effectiveness. As a ground-based antenna system, the OE-254 takes some time to set up, making it less than ideal for units with a need for high mobility. Typically, the efforts of several soldiers are required to erect the antenna and secure it to the ground. Rough terrain also causes issues when using systems like the OE-254. Dead space is created where the line of sight is lost between antennas and radio systems. UAVs such as Elistair's ORION 2<\/a> tethered drone platform are an example of a more practical solution for expanding the modern warfighter's network range and decreasing lost communication occurrences.<\/p>
Tethered drones can expand the network node to provide additional range to soldiers.<\/h4>
Tethered drones can expand the network node to provide additional range to soldiers. They are a much better option when compared to the OE-254 and systems like it. Mark A Stone, a C4\/ISR Business Rep\/SME at Federal Solutions, expands on this point.<\/p>
According to Mr. Stone, \"Network ranges expand and contract as the operation develops. Having a node on a measurable medium allows us to increase our network's range and\/or decrease our network's range simply by raising or lowering the drone.\u201d<\/strong> Mark continues by saying that for every 5 feet the antenna is raised, a half-mile of range is added to the network. \u201cRaising the node above trees, buildings, and vehicles will greatly enhance a high-gain antenna\u2019s line of sight properties. Clear line of sight is vital.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>
The modern soldier requires collecting and acting on ISR to shoot, move, and communicate.<\/h4>
The modern soldier requires collecting and acting on ISR to shoot, move, and communicate. Radios which only function to transmit and receive voice do little to help in this effort and, in some cases, will hinder the soldier's ability to be effective. This is especially true when looking at some of the latest internet of things (IoT) devices appearing on the battlefield. These devices are sometimes referred to as the internet of battlefield things<\/a> (IoBT).
![\"soldiers](\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Equipped-soldiers-tactical-telecommunications-267x300.png\")
<\/p>Additionally, legacy military communication systems lack many of the advantages<\/a> seen in their commercial counterparts. While they have combat advantages such as modulation, encryption, and amplification, they typically only transmit voice over FM, AM, and MSK. Commercial units can transmit voice, data, location, and SMS over QAM<\/a>, QPSK<\/a>, and DSS<\/a>. The commercial units are much better equipped to handle IoT and the decentralized network model. In an era where the radio is becoming more of a network device than just a radio, FM, AM, and MSK are just not the correct modulations to handle the bandwidth and data requirements of current and future conflicts.<\/p>
Communication assets that rely on satellites are also a part of modern telecommunication assets but have their own limitations. In most cases, the satellites used by the military are owned by companies<\/a>, not the government. This forces the government to rely on outside parties to keep these systems operational. Adversaries could also target satellites and render satellite-based communications useless.<\/p>
A more practical limitation of satellite communications is that while they help communicate beyond line of sight (BLOS), they are susceptible to electronic warfare and cyber-attacks. Also, with an increased presence of IoT devices on the battlefield, satellite communications lack the bandwidth to handle rapid additions of multiple nodes. As bandwidth needs increase with further telecommunications advances, it will simply be too challenging to bring additional satellites into operation to scale and meet the demand. To be an effective fighting force, soldiers on the ground must become part of a mobile network. Radios of the future will need to be designed as part of a software-defined network.<\/a> These mobile networks, and the nodes they encompass, will need to be supported by assets, like tethered drones, that increase their range and power without hindering mobility.<\/p>
What Warfighters Need From Tac<\/strong>tical Telecommunications<\/strong><\/h2>
\u00a0<\/p>
In their C3 (Command, Control, and Communications) Modernization Strategy<\/a>, the United States Department of Defense had the following to say regarding the future needs of warfighters, \"Future conflicts could well be decided by information advantage, success going to the side that transforms vast amounts of data from distributed sensors and weapons systems across multiple domains into actionable information for better, faster decision making and precision effects.\"<\/p>
This strategy, released in September 2020, highlights what many militaries worldwide know and are already preparing for; the future of warfare will require integrated tactical mobile networks<\/a><\/strong> and the equipment to optimize them.<\/p>
As the fight becomes more mobile, combatants will not have the time to stop and set up static positions.<\/h4>
As the fight becomes more mobile, combatants will not have the time to stop and set up static positions. They will need to be constantly on the move. Mobile networks are the best solution for supporting this type of fighting. From the United States Army's perspective<\/a>, tactical networks will be successful when they incorporate command post mobility, secure wireless communications, cybersecurity, and edge computing. It is a view shared by many forces around the world.<\/p>
Commanders understand now that the existing model of spending hours to set up command tents takes up an enormous amount of resources while sacrificing situational awareness. This type of setup limits the flexibility of the warfighter and makes maintaining the tempo of military operations difficult.<\/p>
The move from wired communications to wireless has been historically slow for militaries around the world. A change must come in the form of small wireless systems serving various roles across the battlefield. These wireless systems will need to be encrypted but allow soldiers to use laptops, tablets, and even smartphones<\/a> to transfer and receive information over WiFi, LTE, MIMO<\/a>, and Mobile Network-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MN-MIMO)<\/a>.<\/p>
![\"radio](\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Pop-up-telecom-emergency-communication-300x169.jpg\")
<\/p>MN-MIMO<\/strong> is particularly interesting. This advanced waveform can provide reliable, high bandwidth, mesh video and data communications even in restrictive environments such as combat theaters. MN-MIMO combines multiple antennas and digital signal processing to enhance the performance of wireless mesh networks (MANET).<\/a> The system can even be attached to drones like the Orion 2<\/a> for added expansion of the network's range. Aerial relays, like those created with tethered drones, allow for rapid set up and continuous situational awareness. Advances like this will become the requirement for any military looking to stay competitive.<\/p>
Mobile networks will need to have the ability to withstand cyber-attacks from adversary forces. The mobility of these networks will help achieve this as they leave far less of a digital footprint than the historical setups of large, well-established bases with vast numbers of systems waiting to be attacked.<\/p>
\u00a0<\/h2>
Tethered Drones as key assets to optimize and protect network integrity<\/h2>
Finally, the battlefield of the future requires networks to have improved response time and lower their use of bandwidth with edge computing. Only through edge computing can a soldier realistically utilize the IoT, artificial intelligence asset, sensors, drones, and other analytics tools while on the frontline.<\/p>
As tethered drones address most of the limitations seen in untethered platforms, it becomes clear why they are the ideal solution for this task. They provide soldiers with the benefits of untethered drones while significantly decreasing or eliminate the limitations seen in free-flying systems.<\/p>
Without a doubt, the outcome of future conflicts will be determined by the military force with greater mobility and increased lethality. Mobile networks will require additional assets, such as tethered drones, to both optimize them and protect network integrity from enemy attacks.<\/p>
Elistair's Orion 2 drone equipped with an MN-MIMO antenna and attached to the SAFE-T 2 drone base station represents the pinnacle of drone-based network solutions for the warfighter. Any military force looking to expand the range of their networks and allow for secure, high-speed data transmission should seriously consider the combined platform's capabilities. The telecommunications centered war is upon us.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[246],"tags":[259],"class_list":["post-22037","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-military-drones","tag-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n
Tactical Communications: the Role of Tethered Drones<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore how tethered drones enhance tactical communications in military operations, highlighting their applications, benefits, and challenges.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tactical communications: the role of tethered drones\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore how tethered drones enhance tactical communications in military operations, highlighting their applications, benefits, and challenges.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Elistair | Tethered Drone Company\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elistairtech\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-09-22T14:11:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-02T15:37:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"908\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"565\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/\",\"name\":\"Tactical Communications: the Role of Tethered Drones\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-09-22T14:11:36+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-02T15:37:26+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/4120a6a7c519af1ed81744f2ebb4dfe9\"},\"description\":\"Explore how tethered drones enhance tactical communications in military operations, highlighting their applications, benefits, and challenges.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg\",\"width\":908,\"height\":565,\"caption\":\"tactical communications\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Accueil\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Tactical communications: the role of tethered drones\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/\",\"name\":\"Elistair | Tethered Drone Company\",\"description\":\"Elistair designs and manufactures tethered solutions for commercial drones, enabling secured operations, unlimited flight time and high speed data transfer.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/4120a6a7c519af1ed81744f2ebb4dfe9\",\"name\":\"admin\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93a247e7465b3d9a55a30d4163e6ac58?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93a247e7465b3d9a55a30d4163e6ac58?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"admin\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Tactical Communications: the Role of Tethered Drones","description":"Explore how tethered drones enhance tactical communications in military operations, highlighting their applications, benefits, and challenges.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"Tactical communications: the role of tethered drones","og_description":"Explore how tethered drones enhance tactical communications in military operations, highlighting their applications, benefits, and challenges.","og_url":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/","og_site_name":"Elistair | Tethered Drone Company","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/elistairtech","article_published_time":"2021-09-22T14:11:36+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-02T15:37:26+00:00","og_image":[{"width":908,"height":565,"url":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"admin","twitter_misc":{"\u00c9crit par":"admin","Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/","url":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/","name":"Tactical Communications: the Role of Tethered Drones","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg","datePublished":"2021-09-22T14:11:36+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-02T15:37:26+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/4120a6a7c519af1ed81744f2ebb4dfe9"},"description":"Explore how tethered drones enhance tactical communications in military operations, highlighting their applications, benefits, and challenges.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Tethered-drone-for-tactical-telecommunications.jpg","width":908,"height":565,"caption":"tactical communications"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/resources\/military-drones\/tactical-communications-role-of-tethered-drones\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Accueil","item":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Tactical communications: the role of tethered drones"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#website","url":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/","name":"Elistair | Tethered Drone Company","description":"Elistair designs and manufactures tethered solutions for commercial drones, enabling secured operations, unlimited flight time and high speed data transfer.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/4120a6a7c519af1ed81744f2ebb4dfe9","name":"admin","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93a247e7465b3d9a55a30d4163e6ac58?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/93a247e7465b3d9a55a30d4163e6ac58?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"admin"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22037"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22037"}],"version-history":[{"count":133,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22037\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61441,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22037\/revisions\/61441"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elistair.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}