Drones are a threat to many sensitive establishments, but crowded spaces like airports and stadiums top the list. Especially, when we are talking about airports, anti-drone detection radars have become indispensable. Why? Because the lives of people, personnel, infrastructure, resources, communications, and a lot are at stake. How? Let’s consider some real-world instances.
Instances of Drone Sightings in Airports
In December 2018, Gatwick Airport was closed for around three days due to drone sightings, and the economic impact of the 33-hour closure was an estimated loss of £1.4 million for Gatwick Airport and £50 million for airlines. This isn’t the only case because in 2017, before the Gatwick debacle, Jean Lesage Airport in Quebec City witnessed a major mishap when a drone collided with a passenger aircraft.
At San Francisco International Airport, there were reports of such incursions, while at JFK International Airport in New York, a crashed drone was found on a runway during a routine inspection. These incidents escalated by 2018, making headlines globally. Notably, London Heathrow faced a near-collision with a Virgin Atlantic flight, and Boston Logan Airport had a passenger flight encounter a drone in its path. Newark Airport, Dublin Airport, and Singapore Changi Airport also experienced disturbances, leading to air traffic halts and delayed flights.
Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez airport faced closure due to a drone sighting, rerouting numerous flights. Similarly, incidents involving drones near Manchester, Fort Mill Area, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport have raised serious concerns among aviation authorities. That’s where counter-unmanned aircraft systems come into the big picture. How? Let’s see!
Understanding Counter-Drone Radar Technology
Counter-drone radar systems are specialized devices that detect, track, and identify unauthorized drones within a designated airspace. These radar systems employ a variety of technologies, such as phased-array radar, frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar, and Doppler radar, to detect and monitor drones effectively. The primary function of counter-drone radar technology is to detect drones flying in restricted or prohibited airspace around airports. These radars can differentiate between drones and other aerial objects, such as aircraft, by analyzing the drone’s size, speed, and flight patterns.
Tracking and Identification
Upon detection, anti-drone radar systems track the movement of the identified drone, providing real-time data to airport security personnel. Tracking capabilities enable authorities to assess the drone’s flight path, speed, and direction, aiding in determining the appropriate response to neutralize the threat. Some radar systems also integrate cameras or other sensors for visual identification and verification of the detected drones.
Response and Mitigation Measures
Once a rogue drone is identified and tracked, airports employ various mitigation measures to neutralize the threat. These measures range from non-kinetic approaches like radio frequency jamming and signal disruption to kinetic solutions, such as net-based or laser-based systems designed to physically disable or capture the drone. The choice of response depends on factors like the drone’s size, range, and potential threat level.
It’s a wrap!
Whether it’s about C-UAS systems for airports or anti-drone systems for prisons, ensure to choose drone defense solutions for reliable brands, and the technology will seamlessly integrate with existing security frameworks for a rapid and targeted response to potential drone incidents.