TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
AIR TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2020 27.
provides visibility into where and when drones
are operating. It also enables drone operators
to receive approval for flights, often within
minutes, in controlled classes B, C, D, or E
airspace,” says Bash.
Elsewhere, anti-drone technology company
Chess Dynamics has integrated its AirGuard
and AirShield counter-UAV systems into
existing ATC monitoring systems. The systems
automatically detect and track UAVs and
provide real-time information to facilitate
security responses depending on the
requirements and existing protocols of the
airport operator. If a drone is detected, the
system can automatically notify airport
security and the police or even trigger physical
capture systems (see box).
According to As David Eldridge, sales
director at Chess Dynamics, “These automated
alert systems minimise potential disruption
and, importantly, maintain the safety of
inbound and outbound aircraft,” he says.
“Our systems use proprietary technology
that enables multiple sensor cross cueing and
automatic target classification, reducing the
burden on the operator,” he said.
PHYSICAL CAPTURE
UK-based OpenWorks Engineering has developed a range of systems that allow security and defence
organisations to physically capture small drones using a net fired from either a shoulder-mounted launcher
or a turret-like installation. A key feature of the systems - known as SkyWall - is their ability to capture a drone
with minimal damage to both the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the surrounding area by using a net.
The SkyWall systems are deployed with electronic counter-measures to provide a layered defence that
is e ective against drones which cannot be jammed. The systems can also be deployed independently in
environments where electronic attack cannot be deployed because of interference, such as airports and
critical national infrastructure sites.
SkyWall100, which fires a net using compressed air from a shoulder-mounted launcher, has been
operational for several years and is used at airports, power stations and other critical infrastructure sites
across Europe, Asia and North America, including at the Pentagon. SkyWall300 is a remotely operated
version that resembles a turret.
Andrew Charlton, business development and technical sales manager at OpenWorks Engineering says,
"SkyWall300 can be used standalone or integrated with a drone detection and a command-and-control
system to o er a highly capable and easy to operate counter drone solution. We have already completed
integration projects with some of the world's leading full system and detection providers," says Charlton.
The latest development is for SkyWall300 an auto reloader, which when integrated with a drone detection
and security system provides a fully autonomous anti-drone solution able to target multiple threats. The use
of multiple SkyWall300s o ers the capability to defend against a drone swarm. A SkyWall300 vehicle mount
is also now in the build phase and planned for completion before the end of the year. "This system is ideally
suited to the protection of critical national infrastructure, especially airports, where a vehicle can be rapidly
deployed to an area to extend a defensive position - for example at one end of the runway," says Charlton.
Although SkyWall100 is already in use testing activities to enhance its capability are ongoing. SkyWall300
has also been “extensively tested”, says Charlton at a variety of military events in Europe and North America
and is “likely to see its first operational deployment before the end of 2019”.
"SkyWall300 has completed testing and two production units are being built, with one of these expected
to be operationally deployed before the end of this year," says Charlton. "Future development of the systems
will include an extended range projectile (SP40-ER) that will be manoeuvrable in flight with the capability to
capture drones at ranges potentially in excess of 1,000m."
SkyWall physically removes a
rogue drone without
destroying it