Airborne Drone Detection Systems

Overview

Airborne drone detection systems provide wide-area aerial surveillance and are used to detect and track drone threats beyond the line-of-sight limitations of ground-based systems. These platforms are ideal for covering rugged, urban, or remote terrains.

🚁 Types of Airborne Detection Systems

• Airborne Radar Systems: Mounted on aircraft to detect low-RCS drones. Examples: Leonardo Osprey AESA, Hensoldt PrecISR.
• RF Sensing Payloads: SDR-based systems for geolocating C2 signals. Examples: Fortem SkyDome, Anduril passive RF sensors.
• EO/IR Surveillance Pods: High-resolution thermal and optical imaging. Examples: FLIR Star SAFIRE, ARGOS-II HDT.
• Acoustic Detection (Less Common): Used on tethered drones or aerostats; effective in low-noise environments.

🛰️ Deployment Platforms

• Manned Aircraft: Helicopters and fixed-wing ISR aircraft equipped with modular sensor pods.
• UAS: Long-endurance drones (e.g., MQ-9) with SIGINT and optical payloads.
• Tethered Drones / Aerostats: Provide persistent, elevated coverage with radar and EO/IR systems.
• Interceptor Drones: Multirotor drones like Fortem DroneHunter for real-time tracking and neutralization.

✅ Advantages

• Extended coverage beyond terrain obstacles and buildings
• Effective for rural, mountainous, or maritime operations
• Real-time visual and signal-based threat confirmation
• Supports layered defense when integrated with ground units