The CyPhy Pocket Flyer is a tiny (~80 g) tethered micro-UAV that streams HD video to the operator over a ~76 m microfilament fiber-optic tether providing power and a jam-proof datalink. Designed to give dismounted soldiers a covert look ahead, it flies for over two hours on tether power.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Multirotor |
| Subtype | Tethered micro reconnaissance UAV |
| Role | Covert short-range tethered ISR |
| Classification | Tethered micro-UAV |
| Mission | ISR, Reconnaissance |
| Datalink | Microfilament fiber-optic tether |
| MTOW (kg) | 0.08 |
| Frame type | Quadcopter |
| Propulsion | Tether-supplied electric power |
| Range (km) | 0.076 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | US |
| Launch method | Hand/vertical takeoff (tethered) |
| Autonomy level | Tethered, operator-controlled with stabilization |
| Endurance (min) | 120 |
| Recovery method | Vertical landing (tethered) |
| Year introduced | 2014 |
| Standard sensors | HD video camera |
| Production status | Discontinued |
| Airframe / lift type | Multirotor – quad |
| Control / autonomy level | Fibre-optic (RF-immune), Tethered |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – military | ISR |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Very close range (<5 km, <1 hr) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – nano/micro (<0.01 m²), RF-silent – fibre-optic |
| Threat vector | Surveillance / reconnaissance |
| Weight / class | Class I – Micro (<2 kg), FAA <250 g |