Elistair and ARX Robotics have completed an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) trial for the German Army using autonomous aerial-ground systems teaming technology.
The three-week event demonstrated Elistair’s Khronos DroneBox, which consists of a tethered drone, a power charger, a landing station, and control software, as well as ARX’s Gereon remote-controlled unmanned ground vehicle.
Tests focused on the drones’ interoperability to provide mobile ISR support in complex scenarios while delivering information to users without interruption.
Activities undertaken by the Khronos and Gereon were evaluated by experts from the German Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Centre, with results to be used as a reference for future missions requiring coordinated unmanned systems-based defense and surveillance strategies.
“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency of drone-based surveillance,” Elistair Europe Sales and Partnerships Head Steve Allcock stated.
“Integrating our KHRONOS DroneBox with ARX Robotics’ UGV highlights the critical role of autonomous system cooperation in addressing modern defense challenges, while reducing risks for military personnel.”
ARX Robotics CEO Marc Wietfeld further highlighted the importance of an aerial-ground drone teaming network for “continuous, autonomous surveillance across large areas,” as presented for the German Army.
“Traditional aerial drones have limited flight durations, but the DroneBox significantly extends their operational time,” Wietfeld explained.
“The GEREON acts as a vital link between the drone and the end user, ensuring the seamless transmission of real-time intelligence.”
The Khronos and Gereon
Elistair’s 31-kilogram (70-pound) Khronos offers a 2-minute maximum preparation time before deployment and 24 hours of flight endurance.
The tethered connection between the drone and its dedicated landing pod measures 70 meters (230 feet) long and applies a data transfer speed of 100 megabytes per second to receive feed from visual or night cameras.
The Gereon is designed to carry up to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of payload, enabling a ground-based “versatile workhorse” for users.
It can be reconfigured for a wide array of missions, including training simulations, aerial drone carriage, sensor deployments, threat identification, in-field tactical equipment logistics, and medical evacuations.