From Battlefield to Business: How Tethered Drones Are Expanding into New Markets

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, tethered drones are proving to be a transformative force. Although drones—formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—have been in military use since before World War I, their recent proliferation and widespread adoption might suggest they are a new innovation. The same misconception often applies to tethered drone systems, also known as tethered unmanned aerial systems (TUAS). Despite their newfound visibility in trade shows, media coverage, and industry publications, tethered drone systems are far from new.

A Long History of Tethered Flight

The concept of tethered aerial vehicles dates back centuries. One of the earliest forms of tethered flight involved kites, which the Chinese used for both recreational and military applications as early as 600 B.C. In a more modern context, tethered balloons were utilized extensively during World War I. The U.S. military alone deployed over 1,000 tethered balloons for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. These early implementations laid the groundwork for today’s tethered drone systems, demonstrating that the core concept is anything but new.

What has changed, however, is the commercial and private sector's recognition of tethered drones' potential beyond military applications. This new wave of interest was sparked by AT&T's pioneering use of the "Flying CoWTM"—a heavy-lift tethered drone system deployed to restore cell service in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017. This event marked a turning point, demonstrating the value of tethered drone technology in civilian contexts and setting the stage for broader adoption.

Commercial Applications of Tethered Drones

Since that pivotal moment, private companies have rapidly expanded their use of tethered drones. From telecommunications to green energy and event management, industries are finding innovative ways to leverage the unique capabilities of tethered drone systems. For example:

• Telecommunications: Tethered drones provide critical communication support during disasters, when ground infrastructure is compromised. These drones can elevate telecom equipment, maintaining connectivity over wide areas for extended periods.

• Event Surveillance: Special event organizers use tethered drones to enhance situational awareness, offering real-time aerial views of large gatherings to monitor crowd dynamics and ensure public safety.

• Energy and Infrastructure Inspection: Green energy companies utilize tethered drone systems to inspect wind turbines and solar farms. These drones can remain airborne for long durations, transmitting real-time data and providing efficient, comprehensive coverage.

  
  

The key advantage of tethered drones lies in their ability to remain aloft for extended periods while carrying payloads of up to 20+ pounds. Unlike conventional UAVs, which are limited by battery life, tethered drone systems are continuously powered from the ground. This enables uninterrupted communications, comprehensive ISR capabilities, and efficient data collection for up to 24 hours or more. As a result, tethered drone technology has become an invaluable tool for industries seeking resilient, long-duration aerial solutions.

A Proven Technology for Modern Challenges

While tethered drones may seem like a modern marvel, they are, in fact, the latest iteration of a long-standing concept. Their enduring value lies not only in their historical roots but in their adaptability to modern challenges. As businesses continue to embrace tethered drone systems for their versatile and practical applications, it becomes clear that this "new" technology is simply the evolution of a time-tested solution.

The next time someone marvels at the ingenuity of tethered drones, remind them that the technology’s origins trace back over 2,600 years. Today’s cutting-edge tethered drone systems are merely the most advanced expression of an ancient concept—proving once again that sometimes the best innovations are rooted in history.