An anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system is generally composed of three parts: the detection system, the decision control system, and the countermeasure system. Specifically, it is as follows:
Detection system: It is used to detect and identify unmanned aerial vehicles, providing target information for subsequent countermeasures.
Radar: Commonly used types include 2D or 3D radar. 3D radar can precisely detect and locate unmanned aerial vehicles and provide altitude information. There are also active electronic scanning array (AESA) radars and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radars, etc. MIMO radars have a relatively high refresh rate, which can improve the detection and tracking effect on unmanned aerial vehicles (including bee colonies).
Radio frequency analyzer: It can detect the radio communication signals between the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the ground station, capture its position and the operator's position information, and also identify the brand, model and serial number of the UAV by analyzing the waveform characteristics. However, it is difficult to detect UAVs that fly by inertial navigation.
Visual/thermal imaging sensors: They are suitable for detecting small objects that move rapidly at low altitudes. When combined with image processing software, they can perform visual detection and classification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They can identify UAVs and operators by detecting thermal signals, but they are greatly affected by environmental factors such as weather and light.
Acoustic sensors: They can detect the sounds emitted by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and calculate their directions. They can detect autonomous UAVs that do not rely on radio waves, but they are vulnerable to environmental noise interference, and their detection accuracy will decrease in noisy environments.
Decision control system: Processes and analyzes the information obtained by the detection system, assesses the threat level of the unmanned aerial vehicle, formulates countermeasures, and commands the countermeasures system to carry out tasks. Typically, AI-based threat assessment systems can complete target classification and threat level determination in a short period of time. For instance, the AUDS system in the UK can achieve full-process automation from detection to tracking and interference, with a response time of only 15 seconds.
Countermeasures system: According to the instructions of the decision control system, countermeasures are implemented against unmanned aerial vehicles to render them inoperable or unable to continue performing their missions.
Electromagnetic jammer: By emitting electromagnetic signals, it interferes with the communication, navigation and control systems of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), causing them to lose control and return or make an emergency landing. For instance, the Russian "Salamander" system uses 4-band interference, covering the entire frequency band from 868 to 2400MHz.
GPS spoofing module: It emits pseudo-GPS signals to induce unmanned aerial vehicles to deviate from their flight paths or land in designated areas, with signal accuracy reaching the centimeter level.
Laser weapons: By focusing high-energy laser beams onto unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), they can destroy key components of the UAVs through photothermal and photochemical effects. For instance, Xi 'an Zhiyu Cloud's laser anti-UAV system, with a 6000W laser module, can precisely melt and destroy targets within a distance of 650 meters.
Microwave weapons: High-power microwave weapons can generate powerful microwave energy, damaging the electronic components of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and rendering them ineffective. For instance, the CHIMERA microwave weapon system of the US military can simultaneously paralyze 50 sorties of swarm UAVs.
Net capture drones: By launching drones or devices equipped with net pockets, target drones are captured. This method is relatively gentle and can be used to capture some drones that need to retain their intact bodies.
Anti-aircraft missiles or anti-aircraft guns: For some large and high-threat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), anti-aircraft missiles or anti-aircraft guns can be used for interception, such as the FK-3000 anti-aircraft missile weapon system and the HQ-17AE short-range anti-aircraft missile weapon system of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.
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What are the common anti-drone systems?
Common anti-drone systems include radar anti-drone systems, laser anti-drone systems, electromagnetic interference anti-drone systems, etc. The following is a detailed introduction:
Radar anti-drone system: By transmitting radio signals and receiving reflected signals to detect drones, it can precisely determine their positions and movement trajectories. For instance, the A400 radar of the British Blighter Company, which adopts solid-state electronic scanning technology, can effectively detect small unmanned aerial vehicles and simultaneously track multiple targets. It is suitable for large-scale protected areas such as airports and military bases.
Laser anti-drone system: It focuses high-energy laser beams onto drones and destroys their key components through photothermal effects and other means. For instance, the high-energy laser weapon system of Raytheon Company in the United States can be customized according to different platforms (such as vehicles, helicopters, etc.). It has successfully shot down many unmanned aerial vehicles and features fast response and high precision.
Electromagnetic interference anti-drone system: By emitting electromagnetic signals, it interferes with the communication, navigation and control systems of drones, causing them to lose control. For instance, China's "Drone Defender" portable anti-drone system, which can be operated handheld, can interfere with drones within a certain range within a short period of time, preventing them from flying normally. It is often used in places with high safety requirements such as airports and prisons.
Microwave anti-drone system: It emits high-power microwaves to disrupt or damage the flight control system and measurement and control receiver of the drone, causing the drone to lose control or be damaged. It has a wide killing area and short attack time, and has unique advantages in anti-drone swarms. For instance, Russia's "Krasuha-4" electronic warfare system can effectively interfere with and strike targets such as unmanned aircraft.
Acoustic anti-drone system: By using acoustic sensors (microphones) to detect the sounds emitted by drones and calculate their directions, it can detect autonomous drones that do not rely on radio waves. For instance, an acoustic passive detection system exhibited in Turkey weighs less than 25 kilograms in total. It takes about one second from detecting unmanned aerial vehicles to completing classification and can simultaneously detect up to 10 targets.
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) catcher system: Utilizing multi-rotor aircraft to quickly approach and lock onto the UAV, capture it through a shooting net and bring it to the designated location. This approach is low-cost and easy to implement, and can be used in scenarios where the complete body of the drone needs to be preserved, such as evidence collection, etc. However, its hit rate is relatively low and the range of action is limited.