The Chinese company Beijing Ribri Technology has unveiled an integrated anti-drone system designed to automatically detect drones, determine their coordinates, track them and bring their flight to a halt using targeted jamming. The system combines acoustic sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, thermal imaging cameras and laser rangefinders; once control is lost, the UAV may be forced to land or crash.
Briefly about the main points
- Acoustic sensors detect the sound of the drone’s engine or propellers.
- The AI must be able to distinguish UAVs from background noise and identify the type of target.
- Thermal imaging cameras and rangefinders are used for search, tracking and pinpointing coordinates.
- A targeted interference is intended to disrupt the drone’s controlled flight channels.
- No independent test results for the system have yet been published.
From an audible signal to the target’s coordinates
The first line of detection consists of acoustic sensors that pick up the characteristic sound of a drone’s engines or propellers. Software featuring artificial intelligence algorithms analyses this signal to distinguish the drone from other sources of noise and identify the type of aerial target.
Following an initial signal, optical equipment is brought into operation. Thermal imaging cameras are designed to locate and track the target, whilst laser rangefinders determine the precise distance and coordinates. The multi-sensor system is intended to reduce the complex’s reliance on a single detection channel.
This approach is designed, in particular, for small UAV, which are more difficult to detect using conventional methods due to their small size, low flight altitude and low visibility.
The reported effect is intended to prevent the drone from flying in a controlled manner
Once the target has been confirmed and acquired, the system proceeds to counter it. In accordance with the stated principle, it applies a targeted jamming effect to disrupt the operation of the channels required by the drone to continue its controlled flight.
As a result, the UAV may lose control, make an emergency landing or crash. This method differs from physical destruction by a missile or artillery shell. Electronic countermeasures potentially make it possible to counter low-cost drones without resorting to expensive munitions.
Practical effectiveness will depend on the conditions of use
A potential advantage of this development is the automation of the entire process: from recording a distinctive sound to identification, determining coordinates, tracking and countermeasures. At the same time, the acoustic channel is dependent on background noise and engine characteristics, whilst the optical channel is dependent on visibility, weather conditions and the ability to distinguish a small target against a complex background.
Actual effectiveness will also depend on the range of the sensors, resistance to interference, the system’s ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, and the parameters of the jamming device. Detailed results of independent tests of this system have not been provided.
