Zenith AeroTech Tethered Drones Delivered to Federal Law Enforcement: the Ultimate Overwatch Solution

Zenith AeroTech Delivers Two Tethered Drones to Federal Law Enforcement Agency

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Today, heavy-lift tethered aerial vehicles (TAVs) leader Zenith AeroTech announced that it has delivered two Quad 8 TAVs to a Federal law enforcement agency for use as a command overwatch solution during emergency response missions.

Both Quad 8s were specially designed to satisfy the request of the customer for a long-endurance aerial platform capable of simultaneously transporting electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) video cameras, a communications relay system, and overhead, high-intensity light panels. The Quad 8 is able to manage a total of 20 pounds, more than double the necessary capacity to sustain the camera, communications relay, and two 17,000-lumen, weather-resistant LED panels.

“The client wanted an overwatch capability to help secure their area of operations during emergency response efforts, and unlike regular, untethered drones, our TAVs can stay in the air for days at a time while carrying a variety of payloads,” said Zenith AeroTech chairman Kutlay Kaya. “This smart tether system allows the operator to focus completely on the mission, which at the end of the day, is the most important thing.”

“These high-powered lights are ground-controlled for intensity and on/off functions,” said Zenith AeroTech lead designer Doganc Kucuk. “And when they are activated, it becomes like daytime on the ground.”

From 200 to 400 feet in the air, the Quad 8 TAV is fueled by the Ground Power Unit (GPU). The GPU converts AC voltage into high-voltage DC power for the Quad 8 and its payloads, while also running an automated management system capable of operating even during harsh weather conditions.

Recently, Zenith AeroTech has been collaborating with universities, military organizations, and large communications providers, with the development of more end-user applications expected to result in major market growth for its systems.

Read more about Zenith AeroTech:

• Made in U.S. Zenith AeroTech Partners with VIRTEX on NDAA-Compliant Production, Ensuring Supply
• Heavy Lift Tethered Drone Flies for a Week: Zenith AeroTech Celebrates 108 Hours of Uninterrupted Flight
• To Catch a Drone: DroneShield, Zenith AeroTech Partner on Tethered Drone Counter UAS System
• US Made Tethered Drone: Zenith AeroTech Integrates Everything You Need on the Quad 8

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.