Tethered Drone Power Stations
LeVane Power Tethered Drone Ground Stations – Unlimited Flight Time, Uninterrupted Missions
A tethered drone ground station—also known as a tethered power unit or tethered base station—is the essential ground-based support system that keeps drones flying for hours, not minutes. By delivering continuous, stable power through a lightweight tether, it completely eliminates the battery limitation that has long plagued the drone industry: limited flight time.
What Is a Tethered Ground Station and How Does It Work?
Simply put, the tethered ground station converts ground power (from the grid or a generator) into high-voltage DC electricity and sends it up the tether to the drone's onboard power system.
Here's how it works, step by step:
Power Conversion: Takes single-phase 200-240Vac or three-phase 380Vac input and converts it to 800-1400Vdc high-voltage DC.
Power Delivery: Transmits both electricity and data through a single hybrid tether cable that combines power lines with fiber optics.
Automatic Tether Management: A smart winch system automatically pays out and retrieves the tether as the drone ascends or descends—no manual handling required.
Onboard Conversion: The drone's onboard DC-DC converter steps the high voltage down to the low voltage the drone actually needs (such as 24V, 48V, 50V, or 100V).
What's Inside a Tethered Ground Station?
Modern tethered ground stations come in either integrated or split-configuration designs. Here are the core components and what they do:
| Component | Function | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Power Module | Converts AC to high-voltage DC | High power density, 96-97% efficiency |
| Tether Management System | Automatically deploys and retrieves the cable | Overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuit, and overtemp protection |
| Tethered Cable | Hybrid fiber-optic + power cable | Withstands ≥2000V, available in 110-220m lengths |
| Control System | Monitors and protects the entire unit | One-touch start, auto voltage compensation, fault self-recovery |
| Enclosure | Rugged protective housing | IP43 rated; backpack or wheeled options available |
For high-power systems above 25kW, we typically use a split-configuration design that separates the power supply unit from the tether winch—improving heat dissipation and making transport much easier.
Why Choose LeVane Power Tethered Ground Stations?
At Shenzhen LeVane Energy Technology Co., Ltd., we've engineered our tethered ground station series to deliver where it matters most: real-world missions.
1. Unlimited Flight Time
Keep drones airborne 24/7—no more battery swaps, no more landings to recharge.
Perfect for emergency communications, disaster monitoring, and any scenario where every minute counts.
2. Built Tough, Tested Tougher
Every unit undergoes automotive-grade validation: EMC testing, thermal cycling, HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing), and MTBF reliability analysis.
Comprehensive protection suite: overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuit, and overtemp safeguards.
3. Smart Control, Simple Operation
One-touch start with automatic voltage compensation.
Intelligent tether management: passive pay-out, active retrieval at ≥2m/s.
Real-time monitoring of voltage, current, tether length, and system temperature.
4. Built to Move
Choose backpack-style units for long-distance carrying by a single operator.
Or opt for wheeled, pull-handle cases for rapid deployment—set up in just 15-30 minutes.
Compact form factor easily moves across rough terrain.
5. Safety First, Always
High-voltage and low-voltage circuits are physically separated to eliminate interference.
Reliable grounding with dedicated terminals on the enclosure.
Smart retrieval stops automatically before full retraction, preventing damage to connectors.
Where It's Used – Real-World Applications
LeVane Power tethered ground stations are already deployed in some of the most demanding environments:
| Application | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Emergency Communications | Lifts 4G/5G base stations to 100-300m, covering 5-15km radius—restoring connectivity when disasters strike. |
| Disaster Response & Monitoring | Carries dual-sensor gimbals (visible light + thermal imaging) to locate survivors and guide rescue teams in real time. |
| Forest Fire Prevention | Equipped with infrared sensors to pinpoint hotspots and monitor fire spread—24 hours a day, no gaps. |
| High-Altitude Lighting | Powers high-intensity lighting modules for nighttime search, rescue, and repair operations. |
| Border Patrol & Security | Long-endurance surveillance with modules for law enforcement and perimeter monitoring. |
Product Specifications – At a Glance
HLF4KS Tethered Ground Power Station Unit
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | HLF4KS-D800 |
| Output Power | 4.55kW (5.6kW peak) |
| Input Voltage | 85-240Vac |
| Output Voltage | 800Vdc (adjustable) |
| Conversion Efficiency | ≥97% |
| Dimensions | 334 × 200 × 128 mm |
| Primary Use | Ground power supply for tethered drone systems |
HLF10KS High-Power Tethered Ground Station
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Power | 10kW |
| Input Voltage | 220Vac |
| Output Voltage | 800Vdc |
| Dimensions | 400 × 400 × 400 mm (power unit only) |
| Configuration | Split design: separate power unit and tether winch |
Quick Tips for Safe Operation
To get the best performance from your LeVane Power tethered ground station:
Position it right: Place the unit on a level, stable surface before operation.
Gear up: Operators should wear insulated gloves as a safety precaution.
Smooth adjustments: Turn adjustment knobs slowly and gradually—no sudden jumps.
Protect the tether: Avoid dragging the cable across rough ground or sharp edges.
Post-mission care: Neatly spool the cable after use and keep the unit clean and dry.
Ready to Take Flight?
Whether you need a compact 4kW unit for rapid response or a 15kW high-power system for extended missions, LeVane Power has the solution.
Visit our website at www.levanepower.com or contact our sales team for technical support and customized options.
LeVane Power – Keeping Your Mission Airborne, 24/7.