Elistair, a company recognized for its expertise in long-endurance, tethered unmanned aircraft systems, recently announced the launch of KHRONOS, a new fully automated tethered drone system. KHRONOS is primarily designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, particularly in environments where GPS/GNSS and RF signals are compromised or non-existent.
Guilhem de Marliave, CEO of Elistair, emphasized the innovative nature of KHRONOS, noting its significance for a range of sectors, including public safety agencies, military forces, and border patrol units. The system's ease of deployment and operation aligns with the growing demand for accessible and efficient ISR technology.
KHRONOS, weighing 66 pounds, can be rapidly deployed from a transportable dronebox in less than two minutes. It is capable of operating from both fixed and mobile platforms, offering users a "pocket watchtower" without requiring extensive training. This feature is particularly beneficial for operators who need to move quickly and efficiently in various operational scenarios.
The drone’s ability to function in harsh conditions and challenging environments, such as off-road terrains and adverse weather, sets it apart. It operates effectively in GPS/GNSS-Denied and RF-denied settings, thanks to its advanced positioning system and secure tethered communication capabilities. Its compatibility with vehicles and integration ease, supported by an open API, further enhances its practicality in the field.
Timothée Penet, CTO of Elistair, highlighted the focus on making KHRONOS adaptable, robust, and user-friendly. The drone is equipped with T-Planner 2, Elistair's latest mission software version, incorporating intelligent functionalities like automated object categorization, target tracking, and cued camera slewing to points of interest.
Elistair, with a presence in over 70 countries, brings nearly a decade of experience in developing tethered drones to the KHRONOS project. The company's commitment to providing persistent surveillance and tactical communication solutions is evident in this latest offering, which is scheduled for delivery to customers starting January 2024.
As Elistair continues to expand its footprint in the drone technology sector, KHRONOS represents a significant step in addressing the complex demands of modern surveillance and reconnaissance operations. The company, with offices in France and North Carolina, USA, remains a key player in the evolving landscape of tactical drone solutions.
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