Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec, specifically working with its subsidiary Skysec Defence, to adapt a civilian drone interceptor into a military-grade hard-kill system. Supported by Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Armaments, this collaborative effort aims to deliver a new C-UAS system called ‘Sky Sphere.’
Initial test flights of the system, conducted without a live warhead, have already taken place. Company representatives indicate that full development could be achieved within 18-24 months.
The Sky Sphere system, showcased by Diehl earlier this month, employs a kinetic effector designed to intercept small, low-flying and slow-moving aerial targets, including UAVs, one-way attack drones and multi-rotors. This new capability is intended to enhance existing air defence measures.
The interceptor receives target data from radar or electro-optical systems that identify and track aerial threats. Launched from a container or mobile launcher, the interceptor accelerates towards its target at speeds up to 200 km/h using a high-RPM electrical engine. Upon nearing the target, it engages an active RF seeker for precise terminal guidance and interception.
The system’s battery supports four to five minutes of flight at top speed, enabling engagements at distances of over five kilometres. Equipped with a high-explosive fragmenting warhead located at the rear of the airframe, Sky Sphere is designed to neutralise soft targets like one-way attack UAVs within a 10-metre radius. The system features a carefully arranged layout with the seeker at the front, followed by the rotor, engine, power source, electronic components and finally, the warhead to maximise lethality.
The initial Skysec interceptor was a non-kinetic version, equipped with a net and parachute to capture and neutralise drones over restricted zones, such as airports, without causing significant collateral damage. The original interceptor measured 700 mm in length and 300 mm in diameter, weighing 1.8 kg with a maximum speed of 235 km/h. Its intelligent flight control system allowed it to autonomously handle tasks like take-off, terrain following, and complex interception planning.
Post Image Credit: Defense Update
