WHAT IS DRONE DEFENSE?
Simply put: you are protecting your airspace from drones that might enter it without your permission.
Why do you need drone defense?
Drone defense has become an important resource for critical infrastructure, airports, prisons, and stadiums, as well as for organizers of large events
There is no doubt that drones are great machines; providing hobbyists with hours of fun and helping commercial pilots save time, improve safety, capture fast and accurate data, and increase efficiency and ROI.
However, if placed in the wrong hands, the UAS (unmanned aerial system) can be used for illegal or illicit means, whether as a smuggling device, a tool for terrorists, or simply to cause annoyance.
This is why it is essential to install anti-drone technology and have a drone defense strategy.
Airports
Infrastructure
Stadiums
Events
Prisons
Mines
The incident at Gatwick Airport in December 2018 showed the disruption that can be caused by alleged drone sightings, resulting in a runway closure for 33 hours and a total cost of £50 million to the airport, airlines and insurers.
HOW CAN DRONEDUBAI ASSIST MY DRONE DEFENSE STRATEGY?
We are global drone defense experts-guiding you through all the solutions to make sure your drone defenses are effective.
Drone security specialist Dronedubai has become the most respected DJI AeroScope Anti-UAS supplier and installer and has been awarded Gold Partner status by DJI for its continued success.
We have installed drone defense and detection systems at some of Italy’s largest airports and have supplied a DJI AeroScope system to several companies.
Dronedubai has expanded its offering to the Anti-UAS market by partnering with a number of key names in the industry to offer a comprehensive, multi-layered solution to combat illegal drones in multiple ways.
As a drone defense specialist, Dronedubai has been at the forefront of industry discussions on drone detection and drone defense and has been instrumental in demonstrations to protect airspace in Italy.
DJI AeroScope Specialist e Gold Partner.
Secure servers/Free API/SDK access
Major customers including the largest airports
Free demos and trials and rental options
Integration with some of the other solutions
Global supplier of Drone Defense
Given our years in the UAV industry, experience in the Anti-UAS market, and with our Cyber Security, ISO 9001, and CPD accreditations, Dronedubai is in the perfect position to provide consulting, training, and hardware to ensure the protection of your asset.
As part of our drone defense package, we can offer:
- Free equipment trials and rental options
- Service level agreements; our promise to provide consistent support and delivery
- Installation assessments and pre-site visits to select the best location for your detection system
- On-site emergency calls and phone/email support
Dronedubai, drone defense in numbers
DJI AEROSCOPE – THE DJI SOLUTION FOR DRONE DETECTION
An essential tool for drone defense.
What is AeroScope?
DJI AeroScope is a specially designed drone detection system that allows an operator to quickly and easily track real-time telemetry data from DJI drones.
This enables the operator to protect the airspace and make an informed decision in the midst of a drone threat.
DJI AeroScope is available in mobile and fixed formats, and the most powerful system can identify drones within a 50 km radius.
Why choose AeroScope?
Since the beginning of 2019, AeroScope systems provided by Dronedubai have recorded more than 340,000 drone flights, with some of these operations exceeding legal restrictions. Having this data gives users a clear picture of how drones operate within their airspace and gives them the ability to act quickly and decisively to combat a potential threat.
DJI drones are world leaders because they are easy-to-use, ready-to-use solutions that provide reliable results. DJI AeroScope is no different.
The system is a rapidly deployable solution that captures data quickly and in a format digestible by other platforms.
DJI AeroScope passes rigorous security tests
DJI AeroScope has proven to be a safe system after being evaluated and subsequently approved by the UK’s Center for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).
It was successfully evaluated according to the CPNI Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) Detect, Track and Identify (DTI) test and evaluation standard.
As a result, DJI AeroScope will be included in the CPNI Catalog of Safety Equipment (CSE). The CSE is available to help security professionals identify appropriate physical security equipment.
The CPNI evaluation found the following:
- AeroScope is very easy to set up, learn, and use;
- The system has an intuitive interface;
- AeroScope responded to multiple UAS operating simultaneously;
- Detection, monitoring, and identification performance was consistent.
DJI AeroScope, which serves as an electronic license plate, is an advanced passive warning system that can remotely identify drones in flight. Using AeroScope, law enforcement, aviation and other authorized agencies can manage their airspace, keep track of a drone’s location and act against a rogue UAV threat.
The basic technology and advantage of AeroScope is that it uses the existing communication link between the drone and its remote control to quickly gather information about the drone, such as:
- Serial number of the drone
- Make and model
- Precise location of the drone
- Drone speed
- Drone direction
- Initial position
Location of the pilot (if the pilot is using a GPS-enabled device)
Authorized users such as airports and police departments can see this information displayed on a computer map for each drone within the multi-mile range of AeroScope’s antennas.
This telemetry information is transmitted directly from the drone to the AeroScope receiver, enabling authorities to identify and track those drones and take action if any of them raise concerns.
AeroScope is a Remote ID system that detects the five types of DJI radios. These are:
- Lightbridge
- Lightbridge 2
- OcuSync
- OcuSync 2
- Wifi
Because of the rich information collected by AeroScope, should a legal proceeding begin after an illegal flight, AeroScope can generate a detailed log of each flight detected by the system, which can be exported and saved to be part of the investigation file and report.
AeroScope is available in a number of different forms: portable or permanent G8 or G16 systems.
As an added benefit, DJI AeroScope strikes a reasonable balance between the need of authorities to identify drones of concern and the right of drone pilots to fly without pervasive surveillance.
DJI AeroScope allows you to view a summary of a drone’s flight in real time, showing the aircraft’s flight position, altitude, speed, and pilot position.
This gives you accurate and usable data that can be used to make an informed decision about protecting your airspace.
The Statistical Report page shows an overview and analysis of survey data. It provides information on the number of surveyed flights, flight altitudes, and survey distance.
Users can also drill down into historical flights by searching by keywords such as flight number and device ID and viewing flight path records.
DJI AeroScope heat maps show the detection frequency and position distribution in the areas surrounding your asset or facility.
This allows you to analyze hotspot areas and take necessary actions.
Advanced monitoring allows users to easily set specific monitoring rules, such as time and date intervals, custom monitoring areas, and choose alert warning methods.
You can also choose different options to monitor a drone’s behavior in your airspace. Want to know when a drone is too close for your convenience?
Then select Monitor object displayed in the target range, and a system alert will be triggered as soon as the monitored object appears in the planned monitoring range.
The G8 and G16 systems send e-mail notifications as well as visual and audible alerts on the screen. This means that AeroScope can be used remotely and ensures that users do not have to sit behind a desk, waiting for a detection.
WHY CHOOSE DRONEDUBAI AS YOUR DRONE DEFENSE PARTNER?
Working with Dronedubai for DJI AeroScope installation and integration offers many benefits.
Free trials and rental options
Dronedubai offers trials of the DJI AeroScope portable station and the G8 fixed solution (conditions apply). Our pre-purchase trial offer gives users the opportunity to see the capabilities of the system, compare it to alternative solutions, and have real, actionable data in your hands to identify how AeroScope could help in a real-world scenario.
Dronedubai also offers customers rental options on portable and G8 units (with conditions).
API and SDK Access
Dronedubai can also grant API access. This allows users to unleash the full power of drone sensing, integrating AeroScope with other systems and securing AeroScope data on a private on-site or cloud server and really dig deep into the data.
Organizations can also take advantage of Beta access to the SDK for free through Dronedubai. This allows AeroScope data to be exported to common operational and third-party situational awareness platforms.
Dronedubai’s AeroScope servers are managed from the United States, and our engineers can integrate DJI AeroScope with mobile solutions.
Lifecycle contracts and support
To give you peace of mind, Dronedubai provides service level agreements on G8 and G16 stations to ensure the smooth operation of your equipment.
Our contracts are designed to give you access to Dronedubai’s ecosystem of expertise, providing consistent IT support and delivery and access to a range of service options, including:
- Manned telephone support
- Monitored e-mail support
- Scheduled/emergency on-site support
- Annual system status check
- Ongoing support
- Spare parts
Pre-planning and installation assessments
Because no installation is the same, Dronedubai performs a comprehensive and thorough planning process to ensure that your drone detection system is in an optimal location.
Our strategy follows a multi-step process
- Pre-installation site visit to ensure the best location. This includes analyzing the surrounding topography/infrastructure to ensure that there is no interference/disturbance from third parties.
- Pre-configure units at the chosen site.
- Installation of equipment.
- On-demand support as needed, in addition to system health monitoring carried out throughout the year.
- Annual site visits to ensure equipment is operating at peak performance.
Global drone defense specialist
Dronedubai has an in-house DJI-approved technical department and a renowned training team that has given courses to thousands of pilots, including specialized lessons for emergency services.
Dronedubai is a global supplier of DJI AeroScope and has DJI’s permission and authority to supply and install the drone detection system worldwide.
In addition to being a drone defense specialist, Dronedubai has been awarded by DJI as a TOP 10 partner in Europe and has supported DJI AeroScope installations in: Italy, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and many other countries.
Partnership network
Dronedubai has established an extensive and experienced partnership network with other drone defense manufacturers, software providers, and integrators. This allows us to provide a layered solution, in addition to DJI AeroScope, to create a tailored solution tailored to meet your defense needs.
It means that Dronedubai, based in Italy, can provide Counter-UAS solutions and consulting to organizations and companies worldwide.
CASE STUDIES ON DRONE DEFENSE
Learn more about our experience with leading examples of successful drone defense programs.
DJI Aeroscope for drone detection at Gatwick Airport.
Gatwick Airport is equipped with a sophisticated drone defense system, which is now part of the airport’s overall anti-UAV capability.
The U.K.’s second busiest airport took action after suspected drone sightings in December 2018 that grounded more than 1,000 flights and affected 140,000 passengers.
Gatwick deployed the anti-drone technology as part of a larger, comprehensive solution that protects the airport from a wide range of unmanned aircraft.
DJI AeroScope detects drones at the British Grand Prix
DJI AeroScope was used to detect illegally flown drones during the 2019 British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone.
Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Emergency Services Drone Team used the sophisticated drone detection system, along with other software, to help track rogue unmanned vehicles within the 2.5-mile restricted zone around the circuit.
A small number of drones were detected, two of which were seized over the weekend, having been checked out by drivers at campgrounds nearer and closer to the circuit by remote drivers apparently unaware of their responsibilities and limitations as drone users.
A LAYERED DRONE DEFENSE SOLUTION FOR COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION
Modern security requires a layered approach that keeps pace with the evolution of drone technology.
To take drone detection to the next level and have a comprehensive, all-encompassing strategy, a layered solution is a highly effective course of action.
AeroScope is a sophisticated kit and is the best in the industry for detecting DJI drones and providing in-depth, real-time information about a potential UAV threat. However, AeroScope can only detect DJI drones. But this is not a limitation; analysts say they account for more than two-thirds of the global civilian drone market.
However, this is nothing to be scoffed at, as AeroScope works with all current DJI drone models, which analysts say comprise more than two-thirds of the global civilian drone market.
Because DJI dominates the drone market, it is essential that AeroScope be at the center of your drone defense strategy.
But it’s also important to fill the gaps, and that’s where a multi-sensor solution comes in, integrating DJI AeroScope with other solutions.
This is why our multi-tiered approach, using a mix of anti-drone technology from a number of industry leaders, such as BT, Advanced Protection Systems (aps), Operational Solutions Ltd (OSL), Rinicom, Altitude Angel, and OpenWorks Engineering, is so effective.
Our multilevel solution can include a second RF detector, radar/3D and an optical camera with up to four detection modules each providing 90° coverage and a powerful 360° PTZ camera to zoom in on the detected object to analyze its signature . All these systems can be combined using a sophisticated interface.
In essence, the layered solution is scalable and flexible according to customer needs.
TYPES OF DRONE DEFENSE
An overview of how different technologies will help defend your airspace from illegal drones.
Having a reliable anti-drone solution gives you confidence that you will be protected from an illegally flown UAS and be able to respond quickly to any potential threat.
Here is a look at some of the anti-drone techniques that exist to combat an attack.
Radar
Radar is another method of detecting and tracking drones.
Some advanced radar systems offer 360-degree coverage, rapid and fully automatic drone classification and flight path tracking.
Camera/Video
Cameras are another drone detection technique that captures the motion of UAVs, using appearance-based, motion-based, or hybrid methods.
The system has many commercial and defense applications, e.g., prisons, airports, and places of interest, however, there are limitations.
Motion-based methods, for example, may have difficulty distinguishing between drones and birds, while visual detection depends on line-of-sight.
Acoustics
Acoustics fills a vital gap in proximity drone detection because a strict line of sight to the target is not required for successful tracking.
The drone can operate in urban canyons, cluttered areas, behind obstacles and in darkness or fog, out of range for radar and optics, but still within earshot of an acoustic sensor.
Using hundreds of interconnected microphone elements, acoustic sensor units can establish a bearing and elevation relative to the target in real time using advanced digital signal processing.
Thermal
Thermal imaging can be used to detect drones. Tests have shown that, using a thermal camera, it is possible to detect and, with a sufficient database, even identify foreign UAVs.
The main source of heat comes from drone batteries. Some investigations have shown that the maximum detection range is shorter than expected.
Jammer
Jammers are designed to disrupt a drone by blasting electromagnetic noise at the radio frequencies at which drones operate and transmit video and at a power level high enough to drown out any effective communication between the drone and its pilot.
This is known as RF-jamming and this method does not interfere with manned aircraft, cellular phones, public broadcasting or other dedicated radio bands.
When a drone is hit by a jammer’s signal, the drone usually returns to its point of origin (unless the GPS is also blocked), giving the jammer user the ability to track the drone back to the pilot.
Sometimes drones might even perform a vertical descent and land on the spot intact. Landing in place is also the general response of drones when both RF and GPS are locked simultaneously.
Jammers can be effective against drones several kilometers away.
While jammers are generally restricted for use in many countries except by military, police, and first responders depending on laws, non-GPS jammers are legal in a number of countries.
It is important to review the laws and regulations of the country and state that you are able to determine if the use of a drone jammer is legal before using one.
Guns
Perhaps one of the most obvious ways to stop a drone threat is to shoot them down. However, this is not always a popular option.
Numerous companies have produced portable or shoulder-mounted devices that can be used to fire nets at rogue drones, trapping them and preventing the blades from rotating, dropping them from the sky.
But such net capture guns are most useful when used in conjunction with other detection technologies.
Lasers
Lasers are another way to combat a drone attack. Both the United States and China have pioneered technology that can shoot down a device within seconds of its location.
One method involves a high-energy beam that detects and disables small drones from several miles away. This technology apparently uses infrared cameras that can work in low visibility conditions, such as fog.
During 2018, China demonstrated a laser gun called Silent Hunter, which can intercept drones with “high accuracy.”
Eagles
A more natural solution has been developed in the Netherlands, with police using trained eagles to shoot down hostile drones.
The birds do this by latching onto the propellers with their talons, instantly disabling them.
Trainers say the eagles see the UAVs as prey, so they are not interested in attacking anything else when they are released. However, there have been problems, with reports that the eagles would not always do what they were trained to do.