From AISC
NATO Innovation Challenge (Countering Air and Ground Unmanned Systems)
NATO is seeking hardware, software and concept solutions addressing any of the following topics:
- Detection and identification of enemy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV)
- Situation awareness / ground sensor net
- UAV and UGV Defense
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Study
Evaluating Small UAS Near Midair Collision Risk Using Aerospace and ADS-B
The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential aviation interference and safety hazards caused by small unmanned aircraft at an airport in Class C airspace. This study represents the second of a multi-phase research project about sUAS safety risks to the National Airspace System. The authors sought to detect unmanned aircraft activity passively using an RF detection device and assess the data based on NAS infrastructure within the collection area such as airport traffic patterns, approaches, departures, local airspace categories and other factors. Additionally, the authors conducted a temporal evaluation of sUAS flight locations in comparison with manned aircraft positional data to model midair collision risk.
Counter-UAS News from Around the World
You Tube: Protesters retrieve Israeli drone used to launch tear gas in Gaza Strip
Comment: At 0:14, you can see the hazards posed by downed drones.
Defense News: US Army close to greenlighting extra lethal Stinger missiles
The U.S. Army is getting close to greenlighting Stinger missiles that are more lethal against enemy drones following a string of successful tests last month. The Cruise Missile Defense Systems Project Office, or CMDS, demonstrated a new proximity warhead capability on a Stinger missile during flight testing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, over a three-week period in August.
Drone Below: Countering Rogue Drones Using Mini-SoDAR Technology
The research letter titled, ‘Consumer Drones Targeting By SODAR (Acoustic Radar)‘, attempts to innovate the radar system so as to make it an efficient tool of detecting objects like consumer drones and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). As the researchers studied different means of detection like the usage of cameras to even detect drones and UAVs camouflaged as birds, they argue that very fine and accurate detection is not feasible. On top of that, cameras can only detect drones or flying objects over a small distance. Outside of that range, a detection system based on cameras is not accurate enough for effective application. Thus, the researchers decided that developing a radar system based on acoustics would be the most effective means to detecting drones and UAVs.
WND: POLICE: DRONES NOW BOTH TOOL, THREAT
Apparently drones have a similarity to guns: In the hands of a crook, they are a threat. When law enforcement officers utilize them, they are a significant tool. That’s according to a report from the international police agency INTERPOL, which looked at drone technology at its recent Global Complex for Innovation conference in Singapore. Nearly 100 experts from law enforcement, academia and private industry assembled to demonstrate for officers how drones “can at the same time be a threat, particularly for critical infrastructure, a tool, and source of evidence for police worldwide.”
DroneDJ: DJI Inspire 2 drone shot out of the air in Ohio
According to a post from Rick G. on Facebook, his DJI Inspire 2 was shot out of the air by an angry neighbor in Ohio last night. The drone crashed down to earth from about 168 feet high. The aircraft, as you can see in the photo was heavily damaged as a result. The pilot has a pretty good idea who had shot down the drone. He went to the house and finally got his Inspire 2 back after the neighbor first denied shooting it down. The drone pilot then turned to Facebook for advice.
The drone hung up in a tree near the Ukrainian village of Gorbivtsi. When border patrol officers got the thing down, it was clear this was no small recreational aircraft. The quadcopter was so large it took two men to load it into the bed of a truck. The Ukrainian borders are a hotbed of drone activity as the country continues its ongoing struggle against the Russians. But even by the strange standards of the area, this machine was unique. Aside from its large size, it appeared to be possibly homemade.
You Tube: DroneShield wins Land Forces 2018 SME Innovation Grant
Drones are being used across the U.S. more and more every year for a growing number of constructive purposes. These include shooting videos for TV news and entertainment programs, filming for movie companies, photographing wedding ceremonies, monitoring crop growth, and supporting search and rescue efforts. However, drones or other unmanned aerial systems can pose a threat if they are controlled by terrorists, criminals or others who wish to do harm. For example, terrorist groups like ISIS are using them to carry out attacks and conduct reconnaissance overseas. Here at home, criminals are using drones to smuggle drugs across our borders and surveil law enforcement. The FBI upset a plot to turn drones into weapons to attack the Pentagon and Capitol. The security threat from drones is constantly evolving as the technology becomes even more accessible and affordable across the globe.
sUAS News: Self-Deploying Drone Pilots may be Problem for Hurricane Response Efforts
Last year’s hurricane season was a benchmark year for the role of drones in emergency management. Harvey, Irma, and Maria all had varying characteristics that served well to showcase the benefits that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can provide for response and recovery operations. However, the well-documented –- and publicized – success of those efforts is now likely to create a new problem; well-intentioned remote pilots who self-deploy to disaster scenes hoping to help save the day.
KPIX San Francisco: Drone Crashes Inspecting Cracked Window At Sinking Millennium Tower
The aerial inspection of a cracked window at San Francisco’s tilting Millennium Tower came to a crashing halt when the drone dropped from the sky, nearly missing pedestrians below. Building managers were conducting the aerial survey of the structure while KPIX 5 cameras were rolling. The Millennium Tower’s homeowners association hired a drone pilot to take photos of a cracked window. The pilot says the drone lost satellite signal. At one point, the drone was no longer under his control. The drone drifted left and hit a building across from the sinking skyscraper. The drone missed several people on the sidewalk and fell within 10 feet of a little boy.