Maritime surveillance has long been limited by the physical horizon available to surface vessels. Radar and visual sensors mounted on masts can only see so far. A new partnership between Elistair and Exail aims to raise that ceiling—literally.
Integration of Khronos and DriX
The collaboration integrates Elistair’s Khronos, an automated tethered drone system, with Exail’s DriX Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The Khronos DroneBox is designed for persistent operations, capable of staying airborne for up to 24 hours while tethered to a mobile platform. By launching from the deck of the DriX, the drone provides a continuous aerial feed that effectively triples the surveillance range of the mother ship.
Persistent Maritime Watch
Unlike standard battery-operated drones that require frequent recovery and battery swaps, the tethered Khronos draws power directly from the USV. This allows for uninterrupted reconnaissance in maritime security, search and rescue, and scientific research. The system is fully automated, managing takeoff, following the vessel’s movements, and landing without manual intervention.
This integration signals a move toward truly autonomous maritime ecosystems where multiple unmanned platforms work in concert to provide a comprehensive tactical picture without human presence on the water.