Capable Detection at Long Range for Extended Periods
Australia’s DroneShield and Virginia-based Zenith AeroTech are partnering to offer counter-drone capabilities mounted on tethered aerial vehicles (TAV), the companies announced in late May.
Zenith will incorporate the DroneSentry-C2 and an Echodyne EchoFlight radar into its family of TAVs, which typically operate at 400ft, making alerts more accurate “because, at elevation, you’ve eliminated clutter,” as CEO Kutlay Kaya explains. “The integration of Echodyne airborne radars onto Zenith Aerotech’s TAV simplifies a number of mission and site planning activities, too,” adds Frank Ignazzitto, Echodyne’s VP of Sales.
Zenith AeroTech offers three different TAV platforms: HEXA, QUAD 8, and QUADRO. In contrast to standard drones, these TAVs can remain aloft for hours – even days – thanks to Zenith’s Ground Power-Tether Management System, which converts AC power from any source to high-voltage DC, powering both platform and payload. The company is constantly experimenting with different mixes of sensors, communications and equipment that will take advantage of the platforms’ 10-30lb payload capacity to proactively address evolving threats.
In addition to drone detection, the TAVs will also feature DroneShield hard- and soft-kill countermeasures, implemented and controlled by personnel on the ground. Collaboration between the companies will benefit users in offering more capable detection at greater ranges for extended periods.