Capsule Effector Creates Chaff-Like Cloud

Patria has developed a new type of Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS). It is based on a completely new type of effector, which provides with effective short-range protection against Class1 drones and loitering ammunition. This is an effector capsule that can be used against fixed-wing UAVs or quadcopter drones. The smallest version can be fired from the hand and is disposable. The effector initially works like a rocket, spreading a kind of arresting cloud or mist of material strips at the highest point of flight. These create a sort of curtain, into which the drone then flies. The strips wrap around the engine or are sucked into it, destroying it. The drone crashes. In the case of dense swarms of drones, this method can also be used against several aircraft simultaneously. The ‘curtain’ is made of highly stable threads – though Patria declined to give any details about the material – is light and also falls to the ground after a while, with no risk of injury or collateral damage to those nearby. The current, 55mm, version is optimised to work at distances of about 100m from the launcher.

According to Patria, this solution can be provided in different versions and calibres. The version shown uses a 55mm case and can be fired from the hand. But 76mm effectors are also conceivable, which can then be fired from vehicle-mounted grenade launchers, ships or even from fixed installations, such as forward operating bases. Depending on the calibre, the size of the cloud can also be adjusted, and the same goes for the effector range. Patria’s C-sUAS solution can also be integrated into systems with automated launchers, using target tracking capabilities.

This C-AUS has been under development since 2017 and was shown to the public for the first time, after extensive testing, at Eurosatory in Paris earlier in June. It is intended to be a cost-effective C-sUAS solution that has a kinetic effect.

André Forkert at ILA