Passive Wide-Area Detection of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)
Abstract
This twelve month project developed and prototyped a counter-UAS capability to automatically detect, track, and classify targets; and, provided threat alerts indicating small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in complex land and shipboard environments. The counter sUAS system integrated an all-passive sensor suite including acoustic sensors, wide-area electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras, and high-speed EO and IR inspection cameras. This prototype capability was developed to address shortfalls in the ability of currently deployed counter-UAS systems to detect emerging classes of targets. The project also developed an open architecture fusion engine that correlates and classifies threats to alert an operator to sUAS incursions more rapidly than current systems. Using FY 2017 funding, the prototype system was demonstrated against Class 1 and 2 UASs in a variety of operational environments in FY 2018. This project directly supports a U.S. Strategic Command Joint Emerging Operational Need and a U.S. Central Command Joint Urgent Operational Need. After a successful demonstration, the capability will transition to the Service and joint rapid capability fielding programs in support of multiple counter-sUAS efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- aed7667d9397f0e55ced807ba6a5610a