Open your eyes to... MT 2/2023 · 59 The latter developed the Ardronis counter-microdrone solution that enables users to identify microdrone control signals early on, and locate the UAV’s operator and disrupt the control link. In addition to effectively counteracting microdrone activity, this solution also offers the capability of integration into higher-order networked systems or flexible security systems, according to Rohde & Schwarz. Aaronia, specializing in measuring, tracking and monitoring technology, showcases its AARTOS family of drone detection systems. In particular, the AARTOS DDS Generation 6 is designed to detect intruding drones thanks to its real-time directional measurement of drone’s electromagnetic emission, including remote control. The system is based on the company’s IsoLOG 3D DF antenna, real-time spectrum analyser and a special software plug-in for the RSTA-Suite PRO software. The combination of these elements allows for 24/7 monitoring, recording and uninterrupted data streaming in a range of 50 kilometres. The system can detect any flying radio frequency transmitter at any frequency (even 3G, 4G, and 5G), including flying cell phones. In its static configuration, AARTOS DDS can be hosted in a container and installed in a stand-alone position for up to three months. In its mobile version, the system can be installed onboard a command vehicle for military applications or within a MercedesBenz Sprinter van, as presented at Enforce Tac. Information is presented to operators as 3D topographic view displaying terrain surface, hills, mountains and more, and can also integrate 3D models of complex areas such as cities and airports. In addition to IsoLOG 3D DF-80 and IsoLOG 3D DF-160 antennas, the system can be augmented with radar systems, electro-optical/infrared cameras, and jammers of any kind (handheld, fixed bands jammers, programmable sector jammers). In effect, the company also proposes its PSJ360 smart jammer with an 800 W CW output power and a 10-km range and the sector UAV jamming system with 1300 W output power and up to 8-km range. Expanding offer and demand in the UGV range To be clear, completely new forms or combinations of threats will influence the character of military and non-military (commercial) operations in the 2020s. As in the past, unmanned systems will certainly influence security operations in the most challenging deployment areas. Here, robots can be often employed for purposes like EOD (explosive ordnance dispo - sal), HAZMAT (hazardous materials) clean-up and SWAT (special weapons and tactics) missions. In this respect, highly miniaturized robotic platforms or even more sophisticated Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), some of which carrying highly advanced sensors or weapons, will influence operational deployments in the future. More than ever before, robotic systems will enable users to achieve a continuous in-theatre presence in varying mission scenarios. Military and non-military organizations attack multicopter can shoot both vertically and horizontally,” said the company. The best answer to defend against the drone threat, according to TNO Defence Research, might be laser and high-power microwave ‘directed energy solutions,’ which could be used to heat the drones up until their batteries or electronics are destroyed. According to TNO scientists, these weapons could be deployed in a truck to provide protection for events at public places with lower risk to people and property on the ground than a chain gun or small missiles. A solution on offer by Hensoldt is called Xpeller. Designed as a family of counter-UAS systems, Xpeller offers protection from the ever-increasing threat posed by over-the-counter drones, both in the military and the civil sector. The manufacturer describes the solution as a “quick-response” protection system with “extremely low” false alarm rates. According to the company, the combination of sensor data (obtained from different operational sensors), data fusion, signal analysis and jamming methodologies is the “ideal technology” to help close an important security gap, which not only affects military installations and airports but also nuclear facilities. Company representatives also confirmed that secure facilities can be protected with the technology. Drones delivering contraband into prisons are creating headaches for corrections officials who acknowledge that they have few, if any, ways of stopping them. Hensoldt also added a portable jamming system to the Xpeller family that detects illicit intrusions of small drones over critical areas and offers electronic countermeasures. So, Xpeller is described by the company as a modular counter-UAS system which is extremely effective. Xpeller has since been tested extensively at Hensoldt’s own premises and during customer presentations in a number of European countries, including Germany, France and Switzerland. The manufacturer confirmed that an operational system is available on the market with delivery time depending on the required configuration. In sum, industry achieved considerable progress with developing a number of other solutions for detecting, tracking and neutralising drone threats: Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, offering UMIT (Universal Multispectral Information and Tracking); DroneShield (promoting a tiny device that can be mounted near exterior and interior perimeters); Elbit Systems; ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH; Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-Elta (designed the Drone Guard detection and disruption counter-UAV system for both military and civilian applications); MBDA Deutschland (successfully tested a new high-energy laser effector against airborne targets); RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.; and Rohde & Schwarz. The BDT ARX-200 DM3 showcased at the exhibition. MBDA envisages a UGV-carried version of its new 100W portable laser. Weight reduction through the use of composite materials, further miniaturization, as well as resulting application possibilities such as use against drones and other moving targets.
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