The CyPhy PARC (Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications) is a tethered quadrotor that draws power and data over a Kevlar-strengthened microfilament tether, enabling near-unlimited endurance (flights exceeding 220 hours). It hovers up to ~120-150 m for ISR and force protection and was ordered by the US Army.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Multirotor |
| Subtype | Tethered persistent quadrotor UAV |
| Role | Persistent tethered surveillance |
| Classification | Tethered persistent ISR UAV |
| Mission | ISR, Force protection, Communications relay |
| Datalink | Fiber-optic microfilament tether (jam-proof) |
| MTOW (kg) | 5.9 |
| Operators | US Army (procured) |
| Frame type | Quadcopter |
| Length (m) | 1.4 |
| Propulsion | Tether-supplied electric power (4 rotors) |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | US |
| Launch method | Vertical takeoff (tethered) |
| Autonomy level | Tethered automated station-keeping |
| Endurance (min) | 13200 |
| Recovery method | Vertical landing (tethered) |
| Year introduced | 2016 |
| Max payload (kg) | 2.7 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR camera payloads |
| Production status | Discontinued (company defunct ~2019) |