A complete and versatile counter-drone system
Today, drones are being used for everything from surveying construction sites to inspecting power lines, providing security at mass events, delivering life-saving medicines and helping firefighters safely respond to forest fires. But with this growth comes new challenges and security risks. “Just a few years ago Gatwick Airport had to cancel over 1 000 flights during peak holiday season due to multiple drone sightings in the area,” says Philippe Robin, a researcher at CS Group, a European provider of intelligent, cyber-protected mission-critical systems. And it’s not just airports. “Drones also pose a threat to such critical infrastructure as nuclear power plants, government buildings and public events,” adds Robin. “Furthermore, drones can be used for criminal activities or terrorism.” Clearly, there is an increasing need to protect society from drone-related risks – which is what the EU-funded ALADDIN project aimed to do. “ALADDIN set out to study and develop the next-generation counter-drone system,” explains Robin, who serves as the project coordinator. “We also wanted to demonstrate that this system can effectively address the growing threat of drones in a wide range of contexts and attack scenarios.”
A step change in drone threat detection
The main goal of the project was to develop a solution capable of detecting multiple types of drones in various challenging environments and conditions. Building on the www.boreades.eu (Boreades anti-drone system), a commercial counter-drone solution developed by CS Group, this project enhanced its capabilities by adding artificial intelligence, innovative sensors and neutralisation capabilities. The system exploits a long-range 2D radar, medium-range 3D radar, panoramic infrared capability, and pan-tilt-zoom, PTZ, camera, along with such neutralisation mechanisms as net launchers, jammers and drone interceptors. The system also features an intuitive, augmented reality-based user interface for hands-free operations. “By providing a holographic representation of the actual situation, the user gains better situational awareness, not to mention the ability to ‘see’ and react to the threat before it even becomes visible,” notes Robin. When a hostile drone is identified, the system’s objective is to neutralise it. First, the operator is informed through the command-and-control system. Once authorised, the solution then uses its integrated jamming system, which can operate either directional or omnidirectional, to neutralise the threat. The project also investigated other neutralisation methods, including the use of a net launcher and drone interceptor. “We produced a complete and versatile counter-drone system integrating groundbreaking technological advances that represent a step change in drone threat detection and mitigation capabilities,” remarks Robin.
A major impact on the anti-drone market
Following successful demonstrations, researchers are now working to commercialise the project’s results. “I fully expect that the results gained via the ALADDIN project will have a major impact on the rapidly developing anti-drone market in the coming months,” says Robin. In addition to commercialising the system via the CS Group’s Boreades product line, individual solutions and technologies will also be marketed via various project partners. The project also published numerous scientific papers on its results, which are accessible on the project’s website. “The drone threat is an ever-evolving issue – a real technological race against malicious organisations,” concludes Robin. “As such, the ALADDIN project is just the first step, and ongoing research and innovation must become a constant process.”
Keywords
ALADDIN, counter-drone system, drones, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, critical infrastructure, augmented reality
