Rohde & Schwarz Develops Anti-Drone System That Infiltrates Electronics

Rohde & Schwarz has raised the bar in defending against the threat posed by commercial drones to both civil and military aviation with its innovative Ardronis Wi-Fi system. Unlike other countermeasures that simply neutralize drones, Ardronis infiltrates them and extracts data.

The Growing Threat of Drones in Civilian Airspace

While drones are often seen as a military concern, especially in conflicts like the one in Ukraine, the FAA reports over 100 monthly incidents in the US where drones are spotted in potentially hazardous areas. Whether due to ignorance, mischief, or malicious intent, these encounters must be taken seriously, as even small drones can cause significant damage if they enter a jet engine or collide with a helicopter.

As the demand for counter-drone technology grows, most systems focus on neutralizing drones through methods like shotguns, microwaves, lasers, nets, or even falcons. Other systems jam the control and navigation signals that drones rely on.

However, the Ardronis Wi-Fi system takes a different approach. Instead of destroying or jamming drones, it infiltrates their electronics to gather information. Many commercial drones rely on wireless LAN signals for navigation and control. Ardronis monitors these signals, allowing it to detect drones nearby and estimate their direction, even before they take off.

Enhanced Surveillance and Data Extraction Capabilities

In addition to this early detection, the system can intercept the drone’s video feed (depending on the model) and send it to the operator, essentially tapping into the drone’s Command and Control. The system can also decode the drone’s Remote ID, revealing critical details such as its location, speed, and altitude.

Beyond surveillance, Ardronis can sever the connection between a drone and its controller. Unlike other systems that disrupt all drones in an area, Ardronis can target and neutralize individual drones while leaving others unaffected.

The Future of Drone Detection and Mitigation

“Ardronis Wi-Fi is a game-changer in drone detection and mitigation,” said Anne Stephan, Vice President of Monitoring & Analytics at Rohde & Schwarz. “This system offers a robust, intuitive solution for detecting, locating, and neutralizing Wi-Fi-controlled drones, thanks to its advanced features and user-friendly design, making it an essential tool for organizations focused on security and surveillance.”

Read the original artile on: New Atlas

Read more: Airbus and Toshiba Collaborate on Superconducting Aircraft Motor