In the UK, Evolve Dynamics has unveiled an EW-resistant tethered drone solution called Infinity Tether, which at first glance might resemble FPV drones. In reality, it represents a somewhat different branch of UAV development that has been attempted for military applications several times before, but without major success.
The project's main advantage is the ability to keep a UAV aloft for long periods up to 48 hours hovering at an adjustable altitude of up to 100 m while being powered through a cable from a ground station. This enables prolonged reconnaissance, surveillance and guard missions.
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Evolve Dynamics says that by using a network cable with 100 Mbps throughput, it achieves an ideal communications link. The system maintains a fairly low observable profile, which can be important for certain tasks. Range is, however, limited by the cable length about 100 m.
An interesting feature is that the cable can be commanded to detach and descend on a parachute while the drone switches to independent flight for up to 30 minutes. The system is currently declared compatible with the company's own drones, specifically the Sky Mantis 2 and Wolfe.
Power-over-cable solutions for drones are far from new and are already used in various commercial and rescue roles. Still, they remain fairly niche and have not seen wide adoption.
Ukraine also explored this direction before russia's full-scale invasion. One example is NVP Spaytek with its Windhower UAV and Winder power system, reported on in 2021. Those projects, however, did not gain wide traction.
On todays battlefield, the major drawbacks of tethered systems are their fixed nature and some bulkiness. In a context where drones have greatly shortened the time from detection to strike, such systems risk being destroyed quickly hopefully taking only equipment losses rather than personnel.
Using tethered systems as communications relays is only practical on territory under control; near the frontline they remain vulnerable. These limitations do not mean Evolve Dynamics has produced something worthless rather, the company offers a fairly niche tool that historically has not achieved broad deployment.
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