Battelle introduced a new version of its DroneDefender device, which is used to counter threats from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), at Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference’s Technology Symposium this week.
The DroneDefender V2, a handheld and man-portable device, disrupts the command and control link between the UAS and pilot and the GPS link of small, commercial-grade UAS.
The new version features smaller electronics, new design, simplified control mechanism and extended range. The new design uses only one trigger and a multi-function selector switch.
“Our original solution was a rapid prototype solution. It was made with commercial off the shelf (COTS) parts and delivered a needed solution to the field quickly,” Dan Stamm, manager of Battelle’s Counter UAS programs and co-developer of the DroneDefender device, said. “That bought us time to develop a custom design based, in large part, on user input and feedback from the field.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not authorized the device, and it may not be offered for sale or lease until authorization is obtained. Only authorized members of the federal government may operate the device within the United States. Units are available for sale internationally subject to federal government approval. The United States Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security have purchased hundreds of units of the device.
“Adversaries continue to rapidly evolve their drone threats—including shifting to the newest drones available,” Alex Morrow, co-developer of the DroneDefender, said. “We’re constantly evolving our solution to stay ahead of those threats and protect our troops and assets in the field.”