Fortem Technologies has developed an advancement for its SkyDome airspace intrusion detection suite that enables its DroneHunter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) interceptor to autonomously select one of three available engagement modes to defeat a UAS threat, according to a company statement.
The DroneHunter is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven interceptor that can autonomously determine whether to chase, attack, or defend against an intruding UAS depending on the threat’s size, speed, and trajectory. These advancements enable the DroneHunter to pursue and safely capture an even wider range of UAS threats including high-speed fixed-wing platforms.
Fortem Technologies’ DroneHunter UAS (right) uses its NetGun net attached to a tether to capture an enemy UAS. (Fortem Technologies)
Adam Robertson, Fortem Technologies chief technical officer (CTO), told Janes on 10 September ahead of the Air Force Association’s (AFA’s) annual conference that the DroneHunter can defeat Group 1 and some Group 2 UAS. Group 1 aircraft are those between 0-20 lb maximum gross take-off weight and Group 2 aircraft range from 21-55 lb.
The interceptor measures almost 2 m from tip-to-tip, with the main body about measuring about 50-60 cm and is less than 70 cm tall. It weighs almost 20 kg.
Robertson said that SkyDome, once cued by a sensor such as the Fortem TrueView R20 or R30 series radars, directs the DroneHunter’s launch and continually updates the target position in three-dimensions. The interceptor can then navigate autonomously towards the threat while avoiding no-fly areas using its onboard R20D radar to seek out a specific contact detected by SkyDome.
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