D-Fend Solutions stands at the forefront of developing RF cyber-based counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) technologies, which are engineered to effectively and safely identify and neutralize drone threats, ensuring that operators maintain full control throughout any rogue drone incident.
In this exclusive interview, Jeffrey Starr, the Chief Marketing Officer of D-Fend Solutions, engages with UST to explore the benefits of RF cyber takeover, the functionalities of the company’s EnforceAir system, and the future landscape of counter-UAS technology in a world increasingly filled with drones.
What are the key advantages of a non-jamming, non-kinetic strategy in sensitive locations like airports or large gatherings?
The foremost advantage of a non-jamming, non-kinetic strategy in sensitive locations is the maintenance of operational integrity and safety. In environments such as airports or large gatherings, the risks associated with customary counter-UAS methods—like jamming or kinetic solutions—can be intolerable.
RF cyber takeover technology circumvents these issues by precisely taking control of the rogue drone, directing it to a secure landing area without interfering with legitimate communications, causing physical harm, or endangering property or individuals. This ensures that commerce, transportation, and daily activities can continue seamlessly, even in the face of a drone threat.
In what ways dose RF cyber takeover technology outperform traditional physical or line-of-sight dependent counter-drone methods?
RF cyber takeover technology signifies a transformative advancement in counter-UAS strategies, providing notable benefits over conventional physical or line-of-sight dependent methods. Traditional approaches ofen falter in intricate environments with limited visibility or densely populated urban areas. Radar systems can yield false positives,while acoustic detection struggles against quieter drones. kinetic methods carry unacceptable risks of collateral damage.
In contrast, RF cyber takeover technology effectively identifies, locates, and classifies rogue drones by analyzing their unique communication signals. it neutralizes threats by assuming control of the drone and safely guiding it to a designated landing area. This method does not require a direct line of sight, avoids collateral damage, and can differentiate between authorized and unauthorized drones, ensuring that legitimate operations remain uninterrupted.
How does D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir differentiate between authorized and unauthorized drones in complex RF environments,and what response options does it provide?
D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir system utilizes advanced analytics to differentiate between authorized and unauthorized drones in intricate environments. The system continuously and passively scans for unique communication protocols and characteristics associated with commercial drones. It can identify authorized drones,allowing them to operate without hindrance while focusing on detecting and addressing rogue threats.
EnforceAir offers a variety of response options, allowing for adaptability to different threat scenarios. These options include:
- Real-time tracking and monitoring: Ensuring continuous situational awareness of the drone’s location and behavior.
- Fend-off: Directing the drone to follow its fail-safe protocol, such as returning to its launch point or hovering in place.
- Takeover and controlled landing: Gaining full control of the drone and guiding it safely to a designated landing area.
Lifecycle of a Rogue drone Incident
EnforceAir 2
Can you explain how the EnforceAir system ensures operational continuity and reduces disruption?
EnforceAir is meticulously designed to uphold operational continuity and minimize disruption. Unlike jamming systems that interfere with RF communications, EnforceAir employs a targeted strategy, concentrating solely on the communications of the rogue drone. This prevents interference with other legitimate drone operations, communication signals, or critical infrastructure systems.
Additionally, the system’s capability to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized drones guarantees that only rogue drones are targeted, leaving legitimate operations unaffected. This is vital in environments were drones are increasingly utilized for commercial, security, and emergency response functions.
How versatile is the EnforceAir2 system across various deployment scenarios, and what benefits does its low-SWaP design provide for portable and vehicular applications?
The EnforceAir2 system boasts high versatility across diverse deployment scenarios, thanks to its modular design and adaptable configuration options. It can be utilized as a stationary system for fixed-site protection, a mobile system for dynamic operations, or a man-portable system for speedy deployment in remote areas.
Its low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) design offers significant advantages for portable and vehicular applications. The compact dimensions and minimal power requirements facilitate easy integration into vehicles or transport as a backpack, enabling swift deployment and prolonged operation in the field. This is notably beneficial for military, law enforcement, and security personnel who require a flexible and quickly deployable counter-UAS solution.
D-Fend Solutions Product Portfolio
What role does the MSC2 multi-sensor command & control system play in enhancing EnforceAir’s coverage and facilitating scalable protection?
The MSC2 (Multi-Sensor Command & Control) system is pivotal in augmenting EnforceAir’s coverage and enabling scalable protection. It serves as a central management hub, integrating data from multiple EnforceAir sensors.
MSC2 provides a holistic view of the airspace, allowing operators to monitor and manage multiple drone threat zones simultaneously. Its advanced capabilities can automate threat assessment and mitigation, facilitating rapid and coordinated responses. The system can also be configured for autonomous operation, automatically detecting and neutralizing drone threats based on pre-established rules and policies. This enables scalable protection across extensive areas or multiple sites,reducing the need for constant operator oversight when necessary.
- MSC2 Command & Control System
- EnforceAir
With the rise in availability of commercial drones, how do you envision the role of advanced C-UAS evolving in 2025 and beyond?
As the availability and sophistication of commercial drones continue to grow, the importance of advanced C-UAS will become increasingly vital in 2025 and beyond. With ongoing advancements in drone technology, the potential for misuse will also escalate, necessitating more effective and adaptable counter-UAS solutions.
In the future,advanced C-UAS will need to tackle a broader spectrum of drone threats,including FPV drones,drone swarms,and drones equipped with sophisticated payloads. They will also need to function effectively in more complex and congested airspace environments.
RF cyber technology will be crucial in addressing these challenges. its ability to accurately detect, identify, and neutralize drone threats without causing collateral damage or disruption will make it an indispensable element of future airspace security strategies. We anticipate a rise in the adoption of RF cyber-C-UAS by military, homeland security, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure organizations aiming to safeguard their assets and maintain operational continuity amid evolving drone threats.
We appreciate your time. It has been a pleasure discussing with D-Fend Solutions, and we look forward to witnessing the ongoing advancements and integration of RF cyber takeover technology in the counter-UAS sector.
