Detect-Track-Defeat Within 15 Seconds
AUDS, a counter-drone system developed jointly by Blighter Surveillance Systems, Chess Dynamics and Enterprise Control Systems, is the world’s first such system to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9, according to the companies. This follows successful mission deployment with US armed forces during 2016. Multiple systems sold to DoD by partner Liteye Systems are now fully operational.
TRL-9 is the very highest level of maturity a technology system can attain: according to DoD and NASA definitions, it signifies a technology system or product is in its final form is proven through successful mission operations.
AUDS can detect a drone at a range of 10km using electronic scanning radar, track it using precision infrared and daylight cameras and advanced video tracking software before disrupting the flight using a non-kinetic inhibitor to block the radio signals controlling it. This detect, track, defeat process is very quick and typically takes 8-15s, operating day or night in all weather conditions. Disruption is flexible, proportional and operator-controlled.
The system is currently being evaluated by the FAA as part of the Pathfinder programme, under which it will be tested at selected US airports. It has been positioned by its developers at the strategic end of the UAS countermeasures market for use by government agencies, the police and military to protect high value critical national infrastructure or strategically important sites/events. These include nuclear power stations, borders, political, sporting or VIP events, airports and airbases.
