Modern missions demand more than short flight windows and controlled conditions. They require systems that can deploy quickly, remain on station, and deliver consistent ISR and communications without interruption. LEAP Tactical was built to meet that need.
Designed as a tethered drone system for Group 1 UAVs, LEAP Tactical brings persistent aerial capability to the tactical edge in a compact, mobile form. Fully contained within a rugged hardshell case, the system includes the tether, power unit, and drone, allowing teams to deploy and retrieve in as little as 10 minutes. This level of mobility ensures ISR and communications can be established wherever the mission demands.
Persistent By Design
At its core, LEAP Tactical enables true persistence. By delivering power through the tether, the platform supports extended to unlimited flight time, allowing ISR and communication payloads to remain elevated at up to 400 feet above ground level for as long as the mission requires.
Whether powered through external sources such as vehicle, shore, or 120VAC connections, or through its battery based ground power station, the system adapts to both short and extended. mission needs.
Secure Control And Data Backhaul
LEAP Tactical provides secure command and control of the UAV and its payloads through both wireless RF links and direct tether connections. This flexibility ensures reliability across a wide range of mission environments. For data transmission, the system supports backhaul through LTE, 5G, LEO satellite such as Starlink, and MANET tactical radios, enabling real time information flow from the air to command centers and remote teams.
Ease of use remains a defining advantage. LEAP Tactical is a fully integrated, all in one solution with automated takeoff, landing, and hover, along with built in fail safes. Operators maintaincontrol through the native UAV controller or ground control station, minimizing additional training while maintaining effectiveness in the field.
Mission Configurations
LEAP Tactical’s modular design allows it to adapt across three mission profiles:
Overwatch provides a stable, persistent aerial presence with continuous ISR and communications maintained on station. Payload data can be securely transmitted to remote locations through high bandwidth links, supporting ongoing situational awareness.
Pursuit adds mobility to persistence. Operators can maintain overwatch and, when needed, disengage the tether to pursue targets for 30 to 50 minutes, then return to a persistent state.
Cloak enables missions in RF sensitive or contested environments. By transmitting command and control and payload data directly through a fiber optic tether, Cloak removes the need for air to ground RF signals, allowing the system to operate with no RF signature while supporting high bandwidth, bi directional data transfer exceeding 1 Gbps.
Across all configurations, LEAP Tactical is engineered for real world conditions. It operates in temperatures ranging from -10°F to 120°F, withstands winds up to 60 mph, and performs in light rain and dusty environments. With a total system weight under 60 pounds, it remains highly portable without sacrificing capability. Its low noise and low heat signature further support mission effectiveness.
The system is built around a robust set of components, including a ground power unit with tether management and control, optional battery packs using 2590U batteries for up to 4 hours of silent operation, and air power units that support continuous flight and flexibility. Optional communication hubs and hybrid tether configurations further extend capability based on mission needs.
From Deployment To Persistence
LEAP Tactical is not defined by how long it can stay airborne under ideal conditions, but by how reliably it can remain present when conditions change. From rapid deployment to sustained persistence, it delivers the continuity, adaptability, and control modern missions require.
