The US Navy has introduced a tethered capability to accelerate experiments for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Called the Tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Experimentation Payload System (TULEPS), the solution supports the evaluation of drone software and mission equipment under real-world conditions.
Users can attach the machine’s cord directly to a generic UAV airframe without requiring flight authorizations, under all weather conditions, and with various power payloads for endurance trials.
The device can also be used on mobile platforms such as ships or trucks while sustaining an uninterrupted data stream when testing a drone’s sensors and communication relays at an extended range and higher vantage point.
The TULEPS is supervised by the St. Inigoes-headquartered Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), which oversees assessment, laboratory operations, maintenance, and research for US Navy and Marine Corps aviation assets.
“When we test payloads on specific UAVs, it requires significant money, time and effort because of the limitations of the UAV – TULEPS is an innovative resource that allows us to focus first on the development of the actual payload technology,” NAWCAD Lead Experimentation Engineer James Tomasic stated.
“After we’ve worked through the technical issues and are comfortable with the payload, we can focus on implementing that technology on a specific UAV platform.”
Optimized Timelines, Costs
The launch of the TULEPS was made possible by NAWCAD’s Experimentation Office in partnership with Pennsylvania-based tethered drone solutions manufacturer DPI UAV Systems.
The development involved a two-day event that delivered an in-class, practical course for over 10 aircrews of the UX-24, the navy’s dedicated squadron for testing airborne autonomous systems.
“If we want to test an electronic warfare pod, a new communication antenna or an electro-optical surveillance sensor, we can put it on the TULEPS system with very little paperwork,” NAWCAD’s UX-24 Squadron Chief Test Pilot Lt. Col. Jason Noll explained.
“The system is already approved, so we don’t have to obtain a new clearance – we can test on a shorter timeline with fewer manhours and save money as well.”
