Sponsored by Echodyne
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23 Dec 24. Ukraine war driving European IR sensor evolution, says producer. Infrared (IR) detector manufacturer SemiConductor Devices (SCD) has seen a significant increase in European demand for its products in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, the company has told Janes, with requirements in such areas as loitering munitions and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UASs).
Speaking to Janes on 10 December, Shai Fishbein, vice-president of business development and marketing at SCD, said the Israeli company has seen revenue growth of more than 20% in Europe in the past two years, a rate of expansion that it expects to continue into the next two years.
This upsurge began with the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said, which has driven European countries to replenish the equipment that was deployed. There has also been a wider increase in defence spending, Fishbein said, with much focused on supporting domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with which SCD works directly.
Many of the priorities for military spending tie in with SCD’s work on IR products. For instance, there has been growing demand for high-end, multisensor gimbals in airborne, naval, or land applications, as well as solutions for smaller tactical platforms that have low demands in size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C).
There has been a particular growth in demand for ground platforms, he said, with shortwave IR (SWIR), midwave IR (MWIR), and longwave IR (LWIR) detectors integrated into applications such as gunner and commander sights, he noted. He highlighted the growing needs for such detectors in smart and loitering munitions, as well as in C-UAS applications, with MWIR detectors in particular used to detect potential threats in all-weather types and terrains. (Source: Janes)
10 Sep 24. Why Radar is a Trusted Key Electronic Observer. As drone technology continues to evolve, understanding the regulations and technological advancements that enable safe and efficient drone operations is crucial. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides guidelines for visual observation of drones while in flight.
While there are specific unique requirements for UAS of certain size and weight, this article covers essential concepts such as the role of visual observers, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, and the emerging importance of electronic observers and advanced detection and avoidance systems.
Maintaining Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS)
According to the FAA’s guidelines for piloting a drone, either the drone pilot or a visual observer must maintain visual line-of-sight without using vision-enhancing tools (like binoculars). This means the drone must not be flown beyond the point where the pilot or visual observer can no longer see it directly. While the FAA does not require a secondary visual observer, maintaining visual contact with the drone during flight is essential for safety and compliance.
Visual Observer (VO) Requirements for Drones
A Visual Observer (VO) is an individual who assists the remote pilot in command (RPIC) by maintaining visual contact with the drone and scanning the airspace for potential collision hazards. Having a visual observer allows a drone pilot to move the UAS in a broader area and to navigate around visual obstructions. The RPIC must ensure that the visual observer can see the unmanned aircraft as specified in § 107.31. The visual observer continuously communicates with the RPIC about what they are seeing near and around the drone.
The Basics of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
With special consideration, the FAA may grant specific or limited authorization to fly drones beyond visual line of sight. Recently, the FAA granted BVLOS approval to four companies. These approvals allow these companies to operate drones without a visual observer, a significant advancement for the drone industry. Two of these companies will use BVLOS approvals for drone package deliveries, a major milestone for the industry. One of them has already been conducting BVLOS flights safely in other countries and has worked closely with the FAA to meet rigorous safety standards. This approval marks a crucial step towards integrating autonomous drones into U.S. airspace, making drone delivery scalable and affordable.
These approvals come with certain limitations, such as altitude restrictions and prohibitions on flying in densely populated areas. However, they represent a significant step forward, allowing these companies to conduct long-range operations without visual observers and setting the stage for broader adoption of BVLOS capabilities. Advocates within the UAS industry are hopeful that future BVLOS operations may be broadly enabled by use of detect and avoid (DAA) systems onboard drones in flight or by using ground-based electronic observer solutions.
Maintaining Detect and Avoid (DAA) Competency
DAA systems enable pilots to operate UAS assured that the UAS will detect and avoid other aircraft and obstacles autonomously in flight and adjust their flight pattern to avoid the conflict. These systems use sensors, such as radar, an ADS-B receiver, and cameras to detect and avoid obstacles in the airspace.
The requirement for detect and avoid technology is particularly important for BVLOS operations, where the pilot cannot see the drone directly. Advanced DAA systems help mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions, which is essential for integrating drones into the busy and complex National Airspace System. BVLOS approval by the FAA is anchored on the presence of a proven reliable detect and avoid system.
Electronic Observer (EO) Defined
The term electronic observer first took hold amongst the scientific community. As security and airspace applications embrace new technology – drones – the term is finding a new life. While DAA systems comprise electronic sensors specifically designed to detect and avoid obstacles autonomously, electronic observers refer to a broader range of technologies used for monitoring and surveillance. In the case of drones, the electronic observer component of airspace deconfliction is a sensor or a stack of electronic sensors that replace the human visual scout to provide data that aids in DAA maneuvering.
The Case for Electronic Observers
Electronic sensors perform the same functions as a visual observer would by maintaining awareness of the drone’s position and scanning for potential hazards. However, electronic observers go beyond what a human observer can achieve, especially in BVLOS operations since calibrated sensors are not impeded by human frailties such as limited sight range, the sun blinding their view, or an inability to calculate an object’s exact position in space.
Electronic observers may revolutionize drone capabilities, enhancing security, logistics, and public safety and lending efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to drone operations.
Extended Drone Flight Applications:
- Security & Maintenance: Drones equipped with electronic observers can patrol larger areas, providing enhanced surveillance and security coverage without the need for multiple human observers.
- Deliveries: In logistics, electronic observers enable drones to deliver packages over greater distances, reaching remote or rural areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
- Public Safety: For emergency response via drone as first responder (DFR) programs, drones can quickly reach remote disaster zones or areas with hazardous conditions, providing real-time data and support to first responders.
Reducing Manpower Burden:
- Efficiency: Organizations can operate more drones simultaneously with fewer personnel, increasing operational efficiency and reducing labor costs.
- Scalability: In some cases, electronic observers can enable drone operations to expand without proportionally increasing the human workforce to support the effort.
- Cost-Effective: For organizations with limited resources, electronic observers provide a cost-effective solution to maintain high levels of safety and compliance without the need for extensive human oversight or costly shiftwork coverage.
4 Reasons Why Radar is a Trusted Electronic Observer for DAA and BVLOS
Radar systems are renowned for their ability to detect a wide range of objects, both in the air and on the ground. This capability is crucial in environments where multiple types of threats and activities need monitoring. For this reason, UAS players like Kongsberg Geospatial turn to high-performance radar as an electronic aid for BVLOS.
Depending on the BVLOS application, radar can be deployed on-board the drone or on the ground. In either case, precision radar data of objects in the air around the drone informs detect and avoid maneuvering.
- Ground-Based and Airborne Surveillance:
Radar with a wide field of view capably monitors airspace activity from a ground position. Unlike other visual surveillance methods that can be obstructed by environmental factors such as fog or darkness, radar systems like EchoGuard provide consistent and reliable detection under various conditions. Ground-based radar as electronic observers are a good fit for establishing flight corridors in which UAS will transit. High-performance, ultra-low size, weight and power (SWaP) radar, like EchoFlight, are ideal for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) applications requiring detect and avoid sensing onboard the UAS.
- High-Fidelity, Real-Time Data:
One of the most significant advantages of modern radar systems is their ability to provide high-fidelity, real-time data. This data is crucial for driving system decisions quickly. Precision data from advanced radar systems allows for the immediate detection and tracking of multiple objects. For instance, Echodyne’s software-defined MESA radar generates precise object tracking data for multiple UAS, simultaneously and leverages an ultra-fast data exchange capability to inform rapid maneuvering with minimal disruption.
- Seamless Integration with Other Sensors and Systems:
To achieve comprehensive situational awareness, it is essential that radar systems integrate seamlessly with other sensors and systems. This supports sensor fusion, where data from radar is combined with inputs from other sensors for comprehensive airspace deconfliction. Modern, high-performance radar designed for this application have industry-standard physical connection and open-architecture software.
- Robust and Reliable Operation:
Radar systems are designed to operate in various environmental conditions and provide consistent performance over time. High-performance radars, for example, are low SWaP with a solid-state form factor and no moving parts. This design supports ground or airborne DAA and ensures high reliability and minimal maintenance, even in extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
The Future of Drone Operations with Electronic Observers
Throughout this article, we have explored the vital role of Vos and the FAA’s guidelines for maintaining visual line-of-sight (VLOS) during drone operations. Additionally, we examined the significant advancements in BVLOS operations and the crucial DAA systems required for safe BVLOS flights. These systems, which include sophisticated technologies such as radar and ADS-B receivers, ensure safer and more reliable drone operations.
By integrating advanced sensors and radar systems as electronic observers, drone programs can extend their operational range and achieve more efficient and scalable operations. This advancement is crucial, as it enables organizations to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and expand the potential applications of drone technology across various fields, including security, logistics, and public safety.
Understanding these technological advancements and regulatory requirements allows organizations to better leverage drone technology, improving the operational efficiency and safety of their drone programs. Embracing electronic observers represents a transformative step forward in the drone industry, driving innovation and unlocking new possibilities for drone applications. (Source: Echodyne)
30 Dec 24. USMC fielding new C-UAS vehicles. The US Marine Corps (USMC) has fielded an unspecified number of Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) vehicles to its first new air-defence unit, the service announced earlier this month.
The marines’ 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion (LAAB) based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii was the first unit to receive the first number of MADIS ground-based air-defence (GBAD) systems, according to a 13 December press release. Over 2025 the service will field seven systems to four different units, Morgan Blackstock, USMC spokesperson, told Janes on 23 December.
The seven systems will be fielded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd low-altitude air-defence (LAAD) battalions in addition to Air Control Training Squadron (ACTS) by the fourth quarter (Q4) of fiscal year (FY) 2025, Blackstock said in an email.
“Due to operational security, we cannot disclose the specific number of systems fielded at the battalion level,” Blackstock said. The system is made up of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, Mk 1 and Mk 2. Together, they are equipped with electronic warfare sensors and effectors, a Stinger surface-to-air missile, an M240 machine gun, and a 30 mm cannon.
The system uses RPS-42 produced by RADA Electronic Industries for its radar capability to track unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), while the Common Aviation Command and Control System controls the effectors and targeting data for fires.
In a photograph released by the US Department of Defense (DoD) on 12 December, the 3rd LAAB can be seen hosting a promotion ceremony in front of four vehicles, indicating that the battalion has at least two MADIS vehicles.
This fielding represents a slight delay, as the USMC told Janes
(Source: Janes)
02 Jan 25. Strengthening Airport Perimeter Security. As drones become more advanced and accessible, they pose an increasing threat to airport security worldwide. John Kasuda, Head of Airports and Vertiports Smart Infrastructure North America at Siemens AG, and Briana Clark, Regional Sales Manager for Critical Infrastructure North America at Echodyne, bring their industry expertise to explore the critical need for airports to adapt to these new challenges in the Airport World article titled “Drones: The rising security threat for today’s smart airport.” Their combined insights highlight how traditional security measures, like perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), are no longer sufficient against sophisticated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Kasuda and Clark explain the rise of “dark drones,” and why they are evading older detection systems and leaving airports vulnerable to sabotage, safety hazards, and operational disruptions. They advocate for the integration of a layered sensor stack, that includes advanced radar technology, into airport security frameworks to achieve full situational awareness, ensuring that both ground and aerial threats are monitored and managed effectively.
Key takeaways:
- The rise of “dark drones” and why they evade traditional detection systems.
- The importance of multiple sensors for maintaining full situational awareness.
- The role of advanced technologies and a single pane of glass in safeguarding airport operations.
- The need for adaptable security solutions to keep pace with evolving drone regulations. (Source: Echodyne)
02 Jan 25. Drones are a Powerful Tactical Response Tool. In an article first published online in Police Chief Magazine, Charles Werner, Chief (Ret.), Member, IACP Aviation Committee shares why and how police departments are utilizing drones as a tool to enhance public safety and security. Many situations can put officers and the citizens they protect in harm’s way and drones provide means to “look around corners” and obtain a clearer understanding of what is happening. Drones are typically equipped with a camera. Data is relayed in real-time to the drone pilot and incident command. Drones provide means to gather critical information that can help keep officers and community members safe and expedite incident resolution.
Drones for On-Site Reconnaissance
A police unit might utilize drones for pre-entry reconnaissance and to inform decision making and deployment for specialized responses: clearing rooms, hostage rescue, drug seizures, bomb threats, stand-offs, SWAT deployment, and more. Since drones are agile and fast, they also prove useful for surveilling property’s that experience repeated vandalism or theft, and to maintain “sight” on fleeing suspects. And for dynamic and/or expansive crime scenes, tethered drones are a valuable tool for active crime scene overwatch.
These situations alone provide a case for adding drones to a public safety department’s tool kit. However, there is another drone application that provides ROI to departments and supports their efforts to maintain safe communities – Drone as First Responder. Daily, across the world, DFR programs are helping Command prioritize and dispatch officers safely and expeditiously to a broad array of incidents.
Drones for DFR
Similar to SWAT teams using drones for location reconnaissance, DFR leverages drones ahead of on-site human response to gather intelligence. The visual data gathered by the drone can include details about the site such as whether it is a heavily populated area, the presence of smoke or fire, the movement of those involved, and more. Details like these can help Command better understand the nature of the incident and inform priority for deploying officers to the site.
On a recent webinar with the FAA, it was shared that there are now 22 law enforcement agencies successfully deploying DFR drones with another 28 in the application process.
DFR originated in Chula Vista, California, and has enhanced incident response. When a 911 call is received, a drone is immediately launched and deployed to the scene – often arriving before a field officer is able. On-board the drone, cameras relay images in real time back to the DFR command where additional decisions can be made about priority, number of officers required, and whether EMS or are required for incident response.
The positive impact of DFR on the Chula Vista community is undeniable with significant impact to prioritization of critical response, reduced response times, conflict de-escalation and more. These statistics and detailed information about the program are available on the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) website, and here are some highlights:
- More than 18,000 responses
- 2,512 DFR-assisted arrests
- avoided dispatch of ground unit 4,177 times
- DFR first on scene 13,500 times
- Average response time of 94 seconds (about 1 and a half minutes)
Results from the Chula Vista program are being replicated nationwide by departments who have leveraged the learning of the inaugural effort and launched their own DFR initiatives. While DFR program motivations are similar across agencies, there are slight differences that account for variations within each area of operation including airspace classification, days/hours of operation, specific mission types, and the aircraft deployed.
Almost all DFR programs participate in the non-profit working group called DroneResponders. Participants share information about their own program including successes and challenges, CONOPS, and technology used. DroneResponders also provides support for FAA waiver applications and helps mentor those interested in starting a DFR program.
Would an incident commander make decisions with their eyes closed? Drone technology allows the police to see more and make informed decisions. …Today’s police officers are facing dangerous homeland security threats and deadly attacks on police officers. They deserve the best tools to ensure their safety while enhancing their effectiveness on the street.
Drones provide an affordable way to enhance situational awareness with an aerial assist. Drones serve as a force multiplier, helping enhance safety and save lives. (Source: Echodyne)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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