AeroVironment Tether Eye is a tethered, self-contained VTOL UAS providing 24/7 persistent surveillance up to ~150 ft above a weather-sealed base station, powered continuously via the tether. Developed under a US CTTSO program.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | VTOL / Hybrid |
| Subtype | Tethered VTOL UAS (persistent ISR) |
| Role | Persistent tethered ISR |
| Classification | Tethered VTOL UAS |
| Mission | ISR, force protection, security, persistent surveillance |
| Datalink | AeroVironment encrypted Digital Data Link (DDL) |
| Operators | US government (CTTSO evaluation) |
| Frame type | VTOL hybrid |
| Propulsion | Electric (tether-powered) |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Launch method | automatic vertical launch from base station |
| Autonomy level | Automated (tethered hover) |
| Recovery method | automatic vertical landing to base station |
| Year introduced | 2016 |
| Standard sensors | EO camera, IR camera |
| Production status | Development/evaluation |
| Service ceiling (m) | 46 |