Breaking News
German Army Improves Battlefield Intelligence with Elistair's ISR-Focused UGVs.
On November 27, 2024, Elistair announced that the German Army successfully tested a solution combining two advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems: Elistair's KHRONOS DroneBox and ARX Robotics' GEREON RCS autonomous ground vehicle (UGV). These tests were conducted over three weeks as part of an experimentation series organized by the Bundeswehr's Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Center. The goal was to assess the effectiveness of these technologies in various tactical scenarios.
With a combined system like the KHRONOS DroneBox and the GEREON RCS UGV, the tethered drone can remain airborne for extended periods, continuously powered by a cable attached to the UGV. (Picture source: Elistair)
The KHRONOS DroneBox by Elistair provides a tethered aerial platform capable of continuous surveillance in contested environments, while ARX Robotics' GEREON RCS delivers autonomous ground mobility and real-time data transmission. Together, these systems enable extended ISR coverage over large areas, enhancing situational awareness while reducing risks to soldiers.
Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics, stated, "By integrating the DroneBox with our GEREON RCS UGV, we have created a sustainable and effective solution that ensures real-time intelligence and rapid response. This combination significantly enhances multi-domain coverage, optimizing modern military operations." Steve Allcock, Head of Partnerships at Elistair, added, "This partnership represents a breakthrough in integrating autonomous systems, meeting current defense needs while minimizing troop exposure to threats."
The trials demonstrated the versatility and reliability of this solution for applications such as border surveillance and field reconnaissance. Through this collaboration, Elistair and ARX Robotics mark a significant step toward the adoption of autonomous ISR systems to meet the growing demands of modern military operations.
The German Army's interest in adopting combined tethered drone and autonomous ground vehicle systems, like those from Elistair and ARX Robotics, reflects lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, where autonomous ISR technologies have proven their effectiveness. These systems allow for prolonged and continuous surveillance, even in contested environments, while reducing soldiers' exposure to direct threats. Their ability to provide real-time intelligence and adapt to dynamic tactical scenarios greatly enhances situational awareness and responsiveness—key advantages against adversaries employing hybrid tactics or offensive drones.
In a practical scenario, imagine a military unit needing to monitor a high-risk border area where enemy infiltrations are suspected. With a conventional drone, the unit could monitor the area, but only for a limited time before the drone's battery is depleted, requiring it to return for recharging. This causes interruptions in surveillance and exposes soldiers to risks during redeployment.
With a combined system like the KHRONOS DroneBox and the GEREON RCS UGV, the tethered drone can remain airborne for extended periods, continuously powered by a cable attached to the UGV. The GEREON, mobile on the ground, acts as a base for the drone while moving within the area, transmitting the collected data in real time. This provides the unit with uninterrupted aerial surveillance over a large area while keeping soldiers safely stationed at a remote control post. Such a system is invaluable for detecting enemy movements or monitoring dangerous areas, as demonstrated by Ukraine's tactical needs in the face of hybrid and unpredictable threats.
The KHRONOS DroneBox by Elistair is a tethered drone system designed to offer prolonged and continuous aerial surveillance, ideal for complex tactical environments. Its tether allows the drone to operate for up to 24 hours uninterrupted, transmitting real-time data to a control station. It can reach an altitude of 60 meters, providing a strategic aerial view over wide areas. Fully automated, the DroneBox can be quickly deployed and requires minimal supervision, reducing operational constraints. Its ability to function in harsh weather conditions and contested zones makes it a highly sought-after solution for surveillance, security, and defense missions.
The GEREON RCS by ARX Robotics is a robust, modular autonomous ground vehicle designed for versatile tactical missions. Weighing 450 kg, it can carry a payload of up to 600 kg, enabling it to integrate various equipment such as communication systems or ISR sensors. With a range of 40 km and a top speed of 20 km/h, it is well-suited for extended operations. Equipped with advanced sensors, including GPS receivers and a LIDAR system, the GEREON RCS can navigate autonomously in complex environments, map its surroundings, and avoid obstacles. Its role as a mobile platform for systems like the DroneBox makes it a key element of modern ISR solutions, particularly in scenarios where mobility and autonomy are critical.