Nuances Technologies bring their new UAV detection and neutralisation system to Eurosatory

Using experience and technology gained from the firm’s man-portable Improvised Explosive Device (IED) neutralisation systems, Nuances Technologies has developed its new Sniper-530 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detection and neutralisation system.

The company has already carved a valuable niche in providing Counter-IED systems which use Radio Frequency (RF) energy, typically across the Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) wavebands to disrupt the RF link between an IED and its detonator, which can include cell phones, garage remote controls or cordless telephones, for example. The company has already provided man-pack counter-IED systems to the Armée de Terre (French Army).

Officials from Nuances Technologies told MONch during the Eurosatory exhibition being held in Paris between 11 June and 15 June that its new Sniper-530 product will allow the disruption of the RF link used by commercial civilian UAVs, particularly those that use a WiFi data link for their command and control. Wifi uses frequencies of 2.4 gigahertz/GHz and 5.8GHz. The Sniper-350 will initially detect the RF link between the UAV and its ground controller, and then jam this link using a burst of RF. Company representatives continued that UAVs which experience disruption to their RF link in this fashion will typically land harmlessly. Regarding range the company stated that it was difficult to provide exact figures as performance was affected by the position of the Sniper-530; whether it is positioned on a hill for instance, or within a built-up area; both factors which will typically affected the system’s line-of-sight, although the company mentioned that the Sniper-530 could be effective across a range of circa one kilometre (0.6 miles).

Thomas Withington