Tethered UAV offers persistent surveillance
Orion 2 can carry ISR and communications payloads while streaming EO/IR imagery
Elistair has developed a new persistent surveillance tethered UAV called Orion 2 for military, government and industrial users.
‘Unlike other multi-rotor drones, the Orion 2 hexacopter delivers round-the-clock surveillance,’ the company claimed in a 5 November statement.
Orion 2 operates at an altitude of 300ft, ‘covering tens of square kilometers’, Elistair added.
A payload capacity of up to 2kg means that Orion 2 can carry ISR and telecommunications payloads. It can also stream geo-referenced EO/IR imagery simultaneously, and it can deploy 4G/5G communications nodes via a new fibre-optic cable.
The tethered UAV is designed as a quick-deploy system (automated push-button takeoff and landing) that can stay in the air for 24 hours at a time with a payload of up to 2kg. Elistair claimed that was previously only achievable by a helium-filled tactical aerostat, which was a much larger platform and came with a very complicated logistical train.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
