As drones get more common and adversaries get more creative with how they can take advantage of this technology, security measures and C-UAS need to evolve with the same speed. Existing sensors, as RF systems and radars, may fall short when a drone is manipulated to not emit such signals, or appears in areas with shadow or clutter. 

Squarehead Technology manufactures the Discovair Counter UAS detection sensor, an acoustic array that passively detect and track NATO class I and II drones using advanced machine learning algorithm. Each sensor covers a 105-degree field of view looking for acoustic change in a network of constantly monitored sectors. By connecting four Discovairs together, pointing in different directions, you can get a 360-degree coverage.

Any change in one of these sectors triggers a high-resolution acoustic beam that collects the sound of the change. The system then analyzes this information, recognizes drones and are able so separate them from any other sounds in the area. As the system is trained on the propeller sound, it will recognize any drone, both fixed and rotary wing, as well as those that are not yet made. Equally important, the algorithm will suppress sound that is not a target and provide close to zero false positives.

The device simply requires a browser enabled device for visualization when working in standalone mode. The Discovair has a rich and flexible API that easily can be integrated in a system of systems or to any known Command and Control (C2).

Upon positive recognition of a drone, the alarm, along with precise bearing to target, is brought to the operator screen or to the connected system. The user interface can display the detection either in a map, or in the camera view of the Discovair.

Discovair can be used for any protection purpose, both in places where it can be permanently installed, transportable and mounted on light vehicles.

Discovair can also be deployed in situations and places such as

  • borders
  • critical infrastructure
  • power plants, including nuclear plants
  • military operations and assets
  • oil rigs
  • prisons
  • industrial facilities
  • high tech companies and government offices
  • events (political, sport, etc.)

The sensor is about the size of a pizza, and includes 128 microphones, a signal processing unit, a camera and connectors for power, network etc. It weighs 8 kilos and draws roughly 20 watts of power. See below for more product specifications.