The TEPEGÖZ Tethered Multirotor Surveillance System was developed to address the growing demand for continuous aerial observation and early warning in modern operational environments. Unlike battery-powered UAVs, TEPEGÖZ receives power and transmits data through a physical tether connected to a ground control station, allowing uninterrupted operation for extended periods. This capability makes it particularly effective for base protection, border security, and critical infrastructure defense.

Operationally, TEPEGÖZ functions as a persistent airborne observation mast. Operating at altitudes of up to 50 meters, it provides constant wide-area surveillance using integrated electro-optical and thermal sensors. This enables early detection of intrusions, movement of personnel or vehicles, and abnormal activities. In forward observer and ADES/TIM concepts, TEPEGÖZ significantly shortens the sensor-to-decision loop by delivering real-time imagery and alerts to operators on the ground.

The system architecture consists of a multirotor aerial vehicle, a tethered power and data transmission line, an automatically tension-controlled winch, a mobile ground control station, and modular payloads. The tethered data link inherently provides strong resistance against electronic warfare threats such as RF jamming, ensuring reliable video and telemetry transmission even in contested electromagnetic environments.

Survivability is achieved through system simplicity, redundancy, and safety mechanisms. An onboard emergency battery allows controlled landing in case of ground power interruption. Fully autonomous takeoff, mission execution, and landing reduce operator workload and enable rapid deployment. Augmented reality–supported situational awareness tools further enhance operator effectiveness.

TEPEGÖZ is designed not only for military use but also for civil security and emergency response missions. It can support traffic monitoring, firefighting command and control, disaster management, border and coastal security, and search-and-rescue operations. Its ability to be integrated onto mobile platforms allows flexible deployment according to mission requirements.

Detailed Technical Information

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions: 114 × 104 × 48 cm
• Weight: Below 7.5 kg

Power System

• Power supply: 220 V / 2 kW AC
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) supported
• Tethered power transmission

Performance

• Operational altitude: Up to 50 m
• Persistent / long-endurance operation
• Operating temperature: -15 °C to +52 °C

Sensors and Payloads

• Three-axis stabilized gimbal with integrated EO/IR camera
• Two-axis stabilized gimbal with daylight camera (optional)

IR (Thermal) Camera

• Long-wave infrared, uncooled
• Detector resolution: 640 × 480
• Horizontal field of view: 17.6°
• Digital zoom: 2× / 4×

Daylight Camera (30×)

• Optical zoom: 30×
• Digital zoom: 12×
• Horizontal field of view: 63° (wide) – 2.3° (narrow)
• Resolution: 720p / 1080p

Target Detection and Tracking

• Moving target detection and alert software
• Real-time video streaming and recording

Command and Control

• Electrically driven mobile ground control station
• Military-grade tactical map support
• Optional solar panel integration

Electronic Warfare Resistance

• High resistance to RF jamming due to tethered data link
• Detailed EW specifications are not publicly disclosed

Deployment and Logistics

• Rapid setup and redeployment
• Fixed-site or vehicle-mounted operation
• Low personnel requirement (details not publicly disclosed)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TEPEGÖZ used for?

• TEPEGÖZ is used for continuous aerial surveillance and early warning over a designated area, particularly for base protection and critical infrastructure security.

What is the operational range of TEPEGÖZ?

• The system does not have free-flight range. Its operational area is limited by tether length and a maximum altitude of 50 meters.

What types of targets can it detect?

• Personnel, vehicles, and small moving targets can be detected using EO and thermal sensors.

Is TEPEGÖZ resistant to jamming?

• Yes. The tethered power and data link provides inherent resistance to RF jamming.

Is the system mobile or fixed?

• It can operate in both fixed installations and mobile, vehicle-mounted configurations.

What are its equivalents?

• Similar tethered surveillance drones exist internationally; TEPEGÖZ stands out with military-grade integration, domestic production, and compatibility with ASELSAN’s sensor ecosystem.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product information
• ASELSAN press releases and public announcements
• Publicly available defense industry exhibition materials