Hoverfly Technologies and Overland AI are expanding their collaboration to deliver integrated unmanned air-ground capabilities for defense and government customers. The partnership pairs Hoverfly’s tethered drone platforms with Overland AI’s autonomous ground vehicle technology.
Highlights
- Hoverfly’s tethered UAS provides persistent aerial sensing atop Overland AI’s ULTRA autonomous ground vehicle, creating a mobile, multi-domain unmanned platform.
- The combined system has been demonstrated with CAL FIRE, the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
- Mission sets include persistent ISR, electronic warfare sensing, and communications relay across complex and contested terrain.
- Overland AI recently closed a $100 million funding round, signaling strong investor confidence in its autonomous ground technology.
How the Integration Works
Hoverfly Technologies, based in Sanford, Florida, manufactures Blue UAS Cleared tethered unmanned aerial systems (TeUAS). These platforms draw continuous power and data through a tether, enabling hours or days of uninterrupted flight. That persistent capability addresses a key limitation of battery-powered drones.
Seattle-based Overland AI builds autonomous land systems with a focus on off-road navigation in unstructured environments. Its ULTRA UGV has been deployed across multiple government evaluations for ISR, fires support, and resupply missions.
By mounting Hoverfly’s tethered drone on Overland AI’s autonomous ground platform, operators gain a mobile, elevated vantage point that remains aloft for extended periods. The system stays RF-quiet and logistically efficient, according to the companies.
Defense Applications and Demonstrations
The integrated system has been demonstrated with CAL FIRE for wildfire response, as well as with the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division and the DIU. Use cases include autonomous maneuver support, perimeter security, route clearance, and forward operations.
“Modern operations demand autonomous systems that work together—not in silos,” said Steve Walters, CEO of Hoverfly. “By partnering with Overland AI, we’re extending the reach and effectiveness of unmanned ground systems with aerial persistence that fundamentally changes how Warfighters sense, decide, and act.”
Stephanie Bonk, co-founder and president of Overland AI, added: “Our collaboration with Hoverfly delivers a fully integrated, mobile overwatch and communications node to reduce unnecessary risk while sustaining maneuver across the battlefield.”
Alignment With DoW Priorities
The collaboration supports Department of War priorities around accelerating adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems across military formations. The partnership emphasizes modular open systems, rapid integration, and scalable unmanned deployment.
Operational capabilities include extended command-and-control relay, persistent ISR, autonomous maneuver in complex terrain, and reduced operator workload.
Funding Momentum
Overland AI recently closed a $100 million funding round to scale its autonomous ground technology and expand partnerships. Hoverfly secured a $20 million Series B investment earlier to accelerate growth in the tethered drone market.
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