At this year’s Counter-UAS Sandbox, three “Diamond in the Rough” prizes were awarded to the top innovations in detecting and/or defeating micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
The 2024 CUAS Sandbox event, held from May 27 to June 21 at CFB Suffield in Alberta, showcased the counter-drone technologies of 15 innovators from five countries. Participants received feedback from defense experts and end users, while the DND/CAF gained valuable insights into the latest advancements in CUAS technology.
Building on the outcomes of the 2022 CUAS Sandbox, the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and their defense and security partners (including the RCMP and Public Safety) are pursuing CUAS solutions capable of detecting and/or neutralizing Micro and Mini UAS. These systems should be able to be integrated into broader military command and control frameworks, focusing on hard-kill capabilities.
The following innovators incorporated in Canada have been awarded the 2024 CUAS Sandbox “diamond in the rough” prizes:
First Place- AIM Defence
A multinational company with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Australia.
Prize- $1 million
Fractl:1 Tactical Counter Uncrewed Aerial System
AIM’s Tactical Directed Energy system, equipped with advanced AI tracking and ultra-compact laser technology developed in-house, successfully tracked and neutralized drones from distances up to 1.5 kilometers. During the exercise, the system effectively engaged and neutralized over 30 drones.
Second Place (tie)- DARIT Technologies
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Prize- $375,000
Air Intrusion Monitoring System (AIMS)
This system utilizes multimodal sensing and AI to detect and track rotary drones in real-time. It integrates acoustic, vision, lidar, radar, and radiofrequency (RF) sensors for enhanced drone monitoring.
Second Place (tie)- Prandtl Dynamics
Toronto, Ontario
Prize- $375,000
Meteorological Ultrasonic Drone Destruction System (MUDDS)
This cutting-edge technology employs ultrasonic waves to disrupt the inertial measurement units (IMUs) and sensors of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). It delivers a ranged, non-targeted neutralization of internal components, offering a powerful defense against weaponized UAS while minimizing collateral damage. MUDDS is highly effective for civilian security operations and critical infrastructure protection.
Post Image Credit- Adobe Stock by MarekPhotoDesign.com
