Strategic
Counter -UAS
Systems
Overview
Countering the threat caused by rogue drones is now a global
issue and an increasing concern for the military, government
and homeland security forces across every continent. It is
+ AUDS IS THE
expected that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will be used
WORLD’S FIRST increasingly for malicious purposes as they can carry cameras,
FULLY INTEGRATED weapons, toxic chemicals and explosives and are being used
increasingly for terrorism, espionage and smuggling purposes.
COUNTER-UAS
SYSTEM The AUDS counter-UAS system was developed by a consortium
of UK defence companies to address the growing threat from
malicious and errant unmanned aircraft systems.
Utilising robust battle proven technology from Blighter
Surveillance Systems, Chess Dynamics and Enterprise Control
Systems, this fully integrated mission-deployed TRL-9 rated
system, can detect, track and defeat a drone in approximately
15 seconds at a range of up to 10 km (6 miles).
The AUDS system detects the drone using state-of-the-art
electronic scanning micro-Doppler radar, tracks it using high
precision infrared and daylight cameras and advanced video
tracking software, before using a non-kinetic radio frequency
(RF) inhibitor to defeat the drone. Using AUDS, an operator can
effectively take control of the drone and force a safe landing.
AUDS is field proven to detect all types of drones including fixed
wing and quadcopters. The consortium is also committed to
constantly evolving the AUDS platform to respond to new threats
and stay ahead in the dynamic UAS countermeasures market. + AUDS IS
DEPLOYED
AUDS is a strategic system designed for use by the military,
ON CURRENT
police, other government and non-government agencies
for protecting high value critical national infrastructure OPERATIONS
and personnel.
HOSTILE DRONE LAUNCH
> INBOUND THREAT DETECTED AND TRACKED ON AUDS RADAR
– Visual and audible alarm on entry to alert zone
– Automatic slew-to-cue of AUDS EO System from AUDS Radar cue
> VIDEO TRACKING ON AUDS EO SYSTEM
– Track Search / Acquisition / Lock
– Hostile threat identified
> AUDS RF INHIBITOR ENABLED
DRONE DEFEATED
> from DETECT to DEFEAT in 10 to 15 seconds
Threat Landscape
The rise of the consumer and prosumer drone markets has
highlighted the wide range of existing and new potential
threats within the counter-UAS threat landscape. These
threats can be classified into two broad categories –
Malicious and Errant:
Malicious intent
• Militant groups are exploiting consumer drones for:
–– Battlefield reconnaissance
–– Dropping small bombs/IEDs
–– Propaganda footage for recruitment videos
• Acts of terrorism:
–– Flying drone into the flight path of commercial airliner
–– Creating fear by causing temporary closure of airports,
stadiums or disruption of national public events
+ AUDS IS • Drug smuggling:
–– Prosumer and custom-built drones are being used for
SPECIFICALLY
international cross-border smuggling of narcotics
DESIGNED TO • Industrial espionage:
MITIGATE THE RISKS –– Hostile surveillance by rival manufacturers for reasons
CAUSED BY ROGUE of IP theft (vehicle proving grounds and test tracks)
–– Breaching secure perimeters for cyber hacking and covert
DRONES information gathering
Errant operation
• Unwanted surveillance by Paparazzi
–– VIP privacy intrusion
• Untrained users around sensitive areas
–– Airports
–– Key national sites (administrative buildings: courts,
parliaments, etc.)
–– Power stations
• Incursions by inquisitive operators
AUDS has been designed to help mitigate
all of the above threats
Toy drones Consumer drones Prosumer drones Professional drones
DETECT – AUDS Radar Track – AUDS EO System
The AUDS Radar is a modular non-rotating, electronic- The AUDS EO System is hosted as a removable EO sensor
scanning (e-scan) system using power efficient PESA pod that easily attaches to the AUDS positioner, which is
(passive electronically scanned array) and FMCW based on an in-service two-axis stabilised mount. The AUDS
(frequency modulated continuous wave) technologies positioner has been designed to accommodate a wide range
to provide reliable, small and slow UAS detection even of sensors and payloads and offers excellent stabilisation
in complex environments. performance, allowing high magnification sensors to be
fitted for observation of small and fast moving targets at
The AUDS Radar is optimised for the detection of small extreme ranges. The azimuth axis has a centrally mounted
drones carrying video cameras, wireless communication special signal and coaxial slip-ring assembly to allow
systems, narcotics, explosives and other nefarious payloads. continuous rotation at speeds up to 90°/s.
The radars use ‘D3’ (Digital Drone Detection) technology
that enables them to extract the tiny radar reflections The AUDS EO sensor pod employs a dual camera system,
from modern plastic bodied drones even when they are comprising a medium wave thermal imager (TI) and a high
flying close to the ground or near buildings (where clutter definition (HD) daylight camera. Additional sensors or active
reflections are relatively large). The radar’s Ku-band elements can be provided within the pod.
operating frequency is ideally suited to detecting the
small structures used to construct compact drones such The TI is coupled with the latest generation of advanced
as the control wires, battery pack, motor and wireless image processing electronics to deliver superior imaging
communications system. performance in addition to enhanced narrow FoV ‘full
resolution e-zoom’ capability.
Configuration options provide radar coverage of 180° or
360° in azimuth. Vertical elevation coverage is configurable, The third-generation Piranha 46 daylight TV camera is fully
with options for 10°/15° (M10S Antennas) or 20°/30° sealed and ruggedized for harsh environments. The camera
(W20S Antennas). The radar is modular with no component has a built-in IR cut filter which can provide good low light
weighing more than 30 kg (66 lb.). functionality for imaging at dusk and in the dark.
The AUDS Radar can detect a miniature UAV at a range The modular configuration allows easy, tool-less assembly
of up to 3.6 km. Drone speeds ranging from hover-drift and provides simplicity for maintenance and repair; all EO
to over 400 km/h are all detected. Target tracking software sensors can be easily accessed and removed using standard
and extensive zone filtering facilities allow drones to be tools (e.g. Allen keys).
detected while minimising the risk of nuisance alarms
from birds.
+ AUDS IS BASED UPON ROBUST BATTLE PROVEN TECHNOLOGY AND
IS THE FIRST FULLY INTEGRATED SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE TRL-9 STATUS
DEFEAT – AUDS RF Inhibitor AUDS Operator Console & GUI
The AUDS RF Inhibitor is a purpose-designed multi-band All the system elements of AUDS: Radar, EO System and
system, engineered for maximum effectiveness against RF Inhibitor are fully integrated into the operator console.
UAS command and control (C2) links. RF inhibition can be The AUDS Operator Console requires a single operator and
activated either selectively or simultaneously across the comprises two screens.
400 MHz to 6 GHz spectrum, targeting five threat ‘bands’
which are designed to defeat the C2 links commonly One screen displays the AUDS Radar GUI (or ‘HMI’) which
deployed throughout the UAS threat landscape (i.e. 433 alerts the operator to drone intrusions into protected
MHz, 915 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and GNSS bands). airspace. The second screen displays the AUDS EO/
RF Inhibitor GUI (or ‘VMS’). The screens can be stacked
The AUDS RF Inhibitor uses software defined radio (SDR) vertically or sit side-by-side and are operated through a
source generation, delivering an inhibition waveform wired keyboard, mouse and optional joystick. Ruggedised
best suited for counter-UAS operations. Changes and new laptops or third-party existing C2 consoles can also be
threats may be accommodated under software control. used. AUDS uses an open architecture and can receive
information from existing systems or cue other effectors. An
High gain directional antennas, coaxially mounted with the option for mission recording can also be included.
AUDS EO sensor pod, transmit the inhibition waveforms
ensuring that the antennas illuminate the target UAS. The
antennas have a nominal 20° beamwidth that provides the
designed power density at the target UAS and mitigates
collateral impact.
The AUDS Operator Console provides control and
configuration:
• Spatially: Directional antennas
• Spectrally: SDR defined threat bands
• Temporally: Duration of operation
• Dynamically: Power level
AUDS Radar GUI
The AUDS RF Inhibitor operation has maximum system
flexibility across complex environments and operating
concepts, enabling mitigation of potential collateral impact,
by utilising the most appropriate Electronic Attack (EA).
Note: The response of a UAS to RF inhibition is dependent
upon its design and manufacture, including the programming
of any auto-pilot function and the actions of the UAS
operator.
AUDS EO/RF Inhibitor GUI
AUDS Configurations
AUDS is available in three standard configurations: AUDS Deployable System, AUDS Field-Mast System and AUDS Fixed
System. All systems require just a single operator.
AUDS Deployable System AUDS Field-Mast System AUDS Fixed System
Combined quadmast and quadpod Rugged, heavyweight field-mast based For applications where AUDS is being
based system which can be system which is designed for semi- installed permanently to protect a
temporarily deployed to building permanent installation at forward critical infrastructure site or along
rooftops by a two-man team. The operating bases (FOBs), airbases and a national border, it is typically
system components are split into critical infrastructure sites. Both the supplied as a set of fully integrated
cases which are manoeuvrable and AUDS Radar (180° or 360°) and the modules but without any form of
highly portable, allowing installation AUDS EO/Inhibitor are co-mounted mounting structure or platform (i.e.
on building rooftops, which are on the heavy-duty, military-grade no quadmast, quadpod, field-mast
commonly accessed through tight telescopic field-mast. The telescopic or mounting frame is supplied). Such
doorways, hatches and up ladders/ field-mast is elevated using an electric systems are typically installed by
staircases. The system can be powered pneumatic pump. a Systems Integrator (SI) who take
from a single mains socket and set-up responsibility for the specifying,
time is typically less than one hour. installation and commissioning of the
complete AUDS system.
The AUDS Radar is mounted on a light-
weight telescopic quadmast. A single
quadmast is required for 180° of radar
coverage, whilst two quadmasts are
required for 360° of radar coverage.
The telescopic quadmast is elevated
using a pneumatic handpump. The
AUDS EO/Inhibitor is mounted on a
separate military-grade quadpod.
In addition to the three standard configurations of AUDS described above, it can be deployed on vehicles and trailers and
also to a maritime environment (e.g. on-board a super yacht).
Support Services
The AUDS team is committed to providing the support
services required for the deployment of its world leading
counter-UAS systems.
The AUDS team will work with end-users, security staff and
systems integrators to ensure optimum performance and
capability throughout the life of the system. This starts with
understanding the threat, choosing the appropriate system
configuration and installation site. The AUDS team will support
installation and commissioning of the system including
training of operators and maintainers. Crucial to the long term
effectiveness of AUDS is ongoing threat analysis and rapid
adaptation of the system to ensure that AUDS maintains its
strategic advantage over all developing threats.
These support services include:
Threat analysis
Technology & requirements
insertion definition
Ongoing support Site-survey
& routine maintenance & system design
Installation &
Development of commissioning
Threat Library of system
Training
AUDS Deployable System
AUDS Field-Mast System
AUDS Fixed System
Contact Details for the AUDS Team:
Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd Chess Dynamics Ltd Enterprise Control Systems Ltd
Designed by Angie Moyes www.fuz.co.uk
Iceni House, London Road Quadrant House ECS Technology Park
Great Chesterford North Heath Business Park Wappenham
Saffron Walden North Heath Lane, Horsham Northamptonshire
CB10 1NY UK West Sussex RH12 5QE UK NN12 8WJ UK
Tel: +44 1223 491122 Tel: +44 1403 249888 Tel: +44 1327 861950
Fax: +44 1223 491123 Fax: +44 1403 249555 Fax: +44 1327 860058
Web: www.blighter.com Web: www.chess-dynamics.com Web: www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk
AUDS-0103 (September 2017)
Errors and omissions excepted. The AUDS team reserves the right to modify specifications without notice. The AUDS radars are protected by a number of international patents.
The Anti UAV Defence System (AUDS) is patent pending. Purchase of this equipment is subject to export licence approval. The Blighter and AUDS names are international
registered trademarks.
