French autonomous maritime systems developer Exail has integrated Elistair’s Khronos automated tethered drone system with its DriX unmanned surface vessel (USV) to extend the platform’s situational awareness during long-endurance maritime missions.
Launched directly from the deck of the DriX, Khronos provides persistent, continuous aerial surveillance. Its autonomous deployment and “follow-me” capability keep the drone stationed above the vessel while underway.
Powered through its tether, Khronos flies for up to 24 hours at a height of 60 meters, according to the partners. It streams live, encrypted video over a secure data link, delivering real-time imagery even in contested, GNSS-denied environments.
Both the vessel and the drone can be operated remotely from shore. The configuration is suited to coastal surveillance, port and critical-infrastructure protection, counter-trafficking operations, and search and rescue.
“Integrating a tethered drone on an autonomous vessel marks a major step forward for maritime surveillance,” said Guilhem de Marliave , CEO of Elistair.
“Surface sensors stop at the horizon; flown from the DriX, Khronos lifts that limit with a persistent, mobile view that stays airborne for hours. For operators, that means wider coverage and earlier detection, with no crew at sea.”
“ DriX was designed as an open platform, able to integrate new payloads as operational needs evolve,” said Stéphane Vannuffelen , Maritime Autonomy Solution Technical Director at Exail. “
“The integration of Khronos adds a persistent aerial perspective to the vessel’s existing surveillance capabilities, significantly extending the monitored area.”
DriX is Exail’s autonomous unmanned surface vessel designed for long-endurance maritime operations in both civilian and defense applications. Featuring a slender hull and advanced autonomous navigation capabilities, the platform is engineered to operate in challenging sea conditions while maintaining stability and reducing fuel consumption.
DriX can be deployed for hydrographic surveying, seabed mapping, maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, mine countermeasure support, and infrastructure inspection.
The USV is capable of carrying a range of payloads, including sonar systems, cameras, radar, and other mission-specific sensors, and can be operated remotely from shore or integrated into multi-domain autonomous operations. Its modular design enables operators to adapt the vessel for different mission requirements while minimizing the need for onboard personnel.