VULTURE
Maritime Tethered UAS for Persistent C2 and ISR Missions

The VULTURE Tethered Drone System is purpose-built for maritime operations, delivering reliable performance in demanding sea environments. Designed for the U.S. Navy and port security missions, VULTURE extends communications beyond the horizon, enabling secure command and control (C2) of USVs and other maritime assets.

VULTURE’s persistent elevated platform supports ISR at sea, and plays a role in the counter-UAS (CUAS) kill chain by detecting, tracking, and identifying threats across open waters and along the shoreline.

SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS
An overview of the features that make VULTURE mission-ready.

SCISSOR LIFT The integrated scissor lift raises the UAV smoothly from the hangar for rapid launch and recovery operations. UAV HANGAR Built for harsh environments, the hangar shields the UAV from weather and debris to maintain mission readiness. TRICON CONTAINER This rugged sea container protects critical components while maintaining climate control for reliable operations in any environment. VISO CLAMP CONNECTORS VISO Clamp Connectors provide a secure, reliable link between the sea container and hangar, and are adaptable for shipboard integration. TETHER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The tether management system (TMS) is designed to maintain dynamic tension on the tether, preventing slack and reducing drag.

System Closed

System Open w/ UAV

VULTURE CAPABILITIES
Persistent ISR, BLOS Comms, On-the-Move Support

LANTERN is a tethered UAS built for long-endurance ISR, dependable beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, and true on-the-move support. It also executes quick 5-minute tetherless scout missions, maintains autonomous host tracking in GPS-denied environments, and integrates seamlessly onto both manned and unmanned platforms, delivering a flexible solution for comms relay, EO/IR, and more.

Long endurance ISR

LANTERN provides persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), staying aloft for hours to deliver continuous overwatch and real-time situational awareness.

Over-the-horizon C2

The system enables reliable beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications, extending tactical networks and keeping forces connected in complex or obstructed environments.

On-the-move Operations

Designed for mobility, LANTERN can be deployed from moving vehicles, maintaining stable ISR and comms coverage without interrupting operations.

DEFENSE & SECURITY USE CASES
Convoy ISR, Mobile C2, and Border Security

Built for mission flexibility, LANTERN supports Army convoy operations, mobile command posts, and security missions such as border surveillance—delivering persistent ISR and BLOS communications wherever they’re needed.

Over-the-horizon Command & Control (C2)

VULTURE enhances over-the-horizon mine countermeasure operations by elevating communications radios up to 500 feet above the maritime domain. At this altitude, VULTURE extends line-of-sight ranges by approximately 28 nautical miles, enabling command and control of unmanned surface vessels and mine-hunting assets from a safe standoff distance. 

This capability allows Navy crews to remain outside the immediate threat area while maintaining persistent connectivity and control of mine clearance operations.

Remote Communications Relay

LANTERN provides a reliable communications relay in remote and rugged environments where traditional networks fail. By elevating radios above the terrain, LANTERN extends line-of-sight coverage, enabling secure voice, data, and video links over long distances.

This capability is ideal for border patrol agents operating in isolated regions and military units conducting missions in SATCOM- or comms-denied areas, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when it matters most.

OPERATOR INTERFACE:
Intuitive Control for Mission-Critical Operations

Built for mission flexibility, LANTERN supports Army convoy operations, mobile command posts, and security missions such as border surveillance—delivering persistent ISR and BLOS communications wherever they’re needed.

One-Button Deployment

Deploy and land the UAV effortlessly with a single button press, reducing operator workload in high-tempo missions.

Tap-to-Track

Simply tap on any object on the screen to have the camera and UAV autonomously track the target in real time.

Skylink Integration

Fully compatible with Trillium’s Skylink software, ensuring smooth integration with existing workflows and mission systems.

Precision GPS Targeting

Pairing the onboard camera with a rangefinder enables precise GPS coordinate tracking of identified targets.

Trillium HD25

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Trillium HD40

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Trillium HD45

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Silvus Streamcaster 4200

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Silvus Streamcaster 4400

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Persistent Systems MPU5

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PAYLOAD OPTIONS
EO/IR Cameras, Sensors, Radios and more.

LANTERN is payload agnostic, providing integration with a wide range of mission-specific sensors and radios. The default configuration includes the Trillium HD40 EO/IR camera and the Silvus 4200 StreamCaster radio, delivering high-resolution ISR and robust, secure communications. Designed with a modular architecture, the system supports any payload up to 5 lbs, enabling operators to quickly adapt to mission requirements—whether deploying advanced imaging sensors, custom radio packages, or specialized payloads for Army, Navy, or security operations.

Radio antennas slide into the frame of the UAV 

Camera payloads integrate on the front of the UAV