10062747Feasibility of the Use of Tethered and Automated Drones for RailClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKDrone Evolution's tethered and security UAV (drone) systems have applications for the rail environment in terms of enhancing safety for trackside workers and improving security at sensitive areas. A tethered drone stays in the air for hours, powered via a cable directly from the ground. This can be used for security checks as well as inspections of track, such as complex points, increasing safety of track workers by reducing the need to inspect track sections in person. The tether ensures there is no risk of the drone flying into areas where it shouldn't and battery back-up allows the drone to safely land in case of a power cut. The security UAV is designed to fly freely either in a pre-programmed pattern or to a location depending on stimuli - launched and flown without human intervention, at the same time alerting security detail to issues. This feasibility study will demonstrate the benefits whilst also allowing the GCRE to understand the practical applications whilst also