benefits of tethered drone compared to free-flying for border patrol

In border patrol operations, the deployment of tethered drones with vehicle following mode has emerged as a game-changer in surveillance and monitoring capabilities. Tethered drones, with their extended flight duration offers significant advantages over free-flying drones for border patrol use cases. By combining the benefits of a physical tether, enhanced tracking, and improved stability, these advanced tethered drones revolutionize border patrol operations. In this article, we explore the major advantages of using tethered drones with vehicle following mode for border patrol, highlighting their potential to enhance security and surveillance along borders.

 
 

In border patrol, the physical presence of officers along the border plays a crucial role in ensuring effective security measures. Officers stationed at strategic points act as a visible deterrent, discouraging unauthorized crossings and promoting border control. With their presence, quick responses can be facilitated, enabling the interception of individuals involved in illegal activities. Furthermore, officers gather real-time intelligence, identifying smuggling routes, patterns of illegal crossings, and potential security threats. While it may not be feasible to cover every inch of a 100km long border with officers, their physical presence at key locations, supported by technological advancements, enhances overall border security strategies. The combination of officer presence, technology, and intelligence gathering ensures a comprehensive approach to border patrol, facilitating both security and efficient border management.

What are the benefits of tethered drone compared to free-flying drone for border patrol?

  1. Extended Flight Duration: Tethered drones receive a continuous power supply through the tether, allowing them to remain airborne for long durations. This is beneficial for border patrol operations, as it enables persistent surveillance and monitoring without the need for frequent battery changes or recharging.

  2. Extended Vision: Volarious tethered drone system maintain connection to the controller inside the cabin, ensuring a stable and reliable visual link. This connection facilitates real-time transmission of video enabling seamless monitoring and coordination during border patrol missions.

  3. Enhanced Tracking and Stability: Vehicle following mode in V-Line Pro tethered system allows it to track and follow a moving vehicle with precision. This feature is advantageous for border patrol scenarios where tracking vehicles along borders or monitoring suspicious activities in vehicles is crucial. Unlike any other vehicle following mode which requires the drone to face the vehicle, V-Line Pro enables the drone to freely pan while still following the vehicle.

  4. Improved Maneuverability and Range: Tethered drones with vehicle following mode can cover a significant area while staying within range of the ground station. The tether acts as a physical boundary, ensuring that the drone remains within the desired operational area. This is especially beneficial for border patrol missions where maintaining surveillance within a specific region or along a border is essential.

  5. Reduced Risk of Flyaways: Flyaways, where a drone loses communication or control and drifts away, are a concern in free-flying drones. With a tethered drone, the physical connection to the ground station significantly reduces the risk of flyaways. This is particularly important in border patrol operations where the loss of a drone could result in compromised surveillance or potential security risks.

  6. Eliminating Downtime: Tethered drones provide a constant source of power to the drone. No stopping is required for battery change, eliminating downtime during operation. Providing border patrols with continuous aerial monitoring throughout the operation.

While tethered drones with vehicle following mode offer these advantages, it's important to note that free-flying drones also have their own benefits, such as greater maneuverability and flexibility in covering large areas. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements, operational constraints, and priorities of the border patrol use case.


Volarious is a tethered drone system company specializing in unlimited flight time systems for drones to execute aerial monitoring. Our 24-hour system advantages public safety, military, and private industries. The activity includes; traffic analysis, border patrol, search & rescue, disaster management, event surveillance, offshore, and construction monitoring.

For any information/question please contact us.

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