Published by Kitefly Tethered | www.tetheredsystem.com
The Challenge: Powering Aerial Lighting Without Fixed Infrastructure
Night operations in emergency rescue, power grid repair, and remote construction sites share a common problem: no reliable power source, no adequate ground lighting, and no flexible solution.
Traditional lighting towers are fixed. Generators are heavy and noisy. Ground-mounted floodlights can't reach overhead blind spots.
This case study documents a joint field test between Kitefly Tethered, Geely Radar , and DJI — validating a fully mobile, high-power aerial lighting system that eliminates dependence on grid power or stationary equipment.
System Overview: Three Integrated Modules
The tested configuration combines three purpose-matched components into a single deployable unit.
Module 1 — Mobile Power Source: Geely Radar Vehicle Discharge System
The Geely Radar pickup truck features a vehicle-grade bidirectional power export system capable of delivering stable 220V AC output. This matches directly with the Kitefly G7 tethered ground station, which has a maximum power draw of 7,000W.
Key advantage: The vehicle functions as a mobile power station. Drive it to site — power is immediately available. No grid connection. No generator setup.
This is particularly critical for:
· Disaster zones with no utility infrastructure
· Remote road sections and construction corridors
· Rapid-deployment emergency scenarios
Module 2 — Tethered Power Core: Kitefly AF-G7 M400 Tethered System
The Kitefly AF-G7 is engineered specifically for the DJI M400 platform. It serves as the power bridge between the ground station and the airborne drone.
Technical specifications:
Parameter
Value
Input voltage
AC 220V
Max ground station output
7,000W
Airborne module output
Max 3,000W
Airborne module weight
< 1 kg
Max cable retrieval speed
≥ 2 m/s
Cable management
Passive payout / Active retrieval
Airborne module material
Aviation-grade aluminum alloy
Protection features
Overvoltage, undervoltage, over-temperature, short circuit
The airborne power module converts high-voltage DC from the tether cable to low-voltage DC for the drone and payload. Its sub-1kg weight adds minimal load to the M400 airframe.
At approximately 5 meters altitude during descent, the system automatically cuts high-voltage output — a built-in safety protocol that requires no manual intervention.
Module 3 — Aerial Platform and Lighting Payload: DJI M400 + Kitefly High-Power Lighting Module
DJI M400 platform highlights:
· IP55 weather resistance — operational in rain, dust, and harsh conditions
· RTK precision hovering: ±0.1m positional accuracy
· Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance: dual visual sensors + LiDAR
The Kitefly High-Power Aerial Lighting Module is the core illumination payload:
Parameter
Value
Maximum power
3,000W
Luminous flux (3,000W mode)
> 440,000 lm
Effective illumination area
Up to 20,000 m²
Light source
COB (Chip-on-Board) array
Dimming control
3-stage remote adjustment
Remote switch
Yes — wireless handheld control
Mounting
CNC quick-release bracket
Thermal management
Auto power reduction on overtemperature
At 3,000W with 440,000+ lumens, this module delivers illumination comparable to a professional stadium lighting setup — from a drone hovering at 50 meters.
Field Test: Step-by-Step Operation
The complete system was assembled and operated without specialized tools or complex calibration.
Step 1 — AssemblyMount the airborne power module and interface board onto the DJI M400 using quick-release rails. Confirm seating with an audible click. Attach the lighting module to the landing gear via quick-release screws. Connect the power interface. No tools required.
Step 2 — Power ConnectionActivate the Geely Radar vehicle discharge function. Connect the Kitefly G7 ground station to the 220V vehicle output. Connect the tether cable to the drone's airborne module. Secure cable to landing gear as the mechanical strain relief point.
Step 3 — Takeoff and LightingPower on the remote controller and unlock the drone. The M400 lifts off smoothly. Activate high-voltage output from the ground station — the lighting module illuminates instantly at full brightness. All light control (on/off, 3-stage power, brightness) is operated via the remote controller: short press to activate, sequential presses to cycle power levels, long press to shut off.
Step 4 — Stable OperationDuring the test, the M400 maintained precision hover at 50 meters altitude. At 3,000W output, the lighting covered the entire test site. Ground-level detail was clearly visible. No voltage fluctuation was recorded throughout the test duration.
Step 5 — Safe LandingUpon test completion, the ground station automatically engaged cable retrieval mode. As the drone descended to approximately 5 meters, high-voltage output was automatically cut. The drone completed its final approach under manual RC control. No safety incidents recorded.
Validated Use Cases
This system configuration is applicable across four high-demand sectors:
Emergency Rescue
In earthquake or flood scenarios where grid power is unavailable, the Geely Radar vehicle reaches the site and provides immediate power. The tethered drone climbs to altitude within minutes. At 440,000+ lumens over 20,000m², search teams gain full-area illumination. Combined with the M400's thermal imaging capability, rescue teams reduce blind spots during the critical early response window.
Power Grid Maintenance
For line repairs crossing highways, railways, or terrain obstacles, ground lighting is often obstructed or insufficient. This system provides targeted overhead illumination with 12+ hours of continuous operation — sufficient to cover an entire repair shift without interruption.
Infrastructure and Construction
Remote road construction and night-shift engineering sites benefit from the system's mobility. As the work zone moves, the vehicle moves with it. The 20,000m² coverage area accommodates large active construction zones in a single deployment.
Public Safety and Events
For large-scale outdoor events or nighttime security operations, a tethered drone provides elevated, wide-angle illumination that eliminates shadows and coverage gaps. The strobe function can serve as an active visual alert in incident scenarios.
Why This Combination Works
Three separate technologies were integrated in this test. Each solves a specific constraint that the others cannot:
· Geely Radar eliminates the need for grid access or heavy generators — it brings the power source to the operation.
· Kitefly AF-G7 eliminates the battery endurance limit — the drone operates continuously as long as vehicle power is available.
· DJI M400 + Kitefly Lighting Module eliminates ground-level coverage limitations — illumination is delivered from altitude, at scale.
The combination is deployable within minutes, operable by a small team, and applicable to environments where fixed infrastructure does not exist.
About Kitefly Tethered
Kitefly Tethered designs and manufactures tethered drone power systems for industrial applications. Core products include ground power stations, airborne power modules, and integrated payload systems for aerial cleaning, firefighting, lighting, surveillance, and communications relay.
All systems are engineered for compatibility with major industrial UAV platforms including DJI M400 and DJI M350.
Website: www.tetheredsystem.comInquiry: susy@tetheredsystem.com
