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Interconnect Solutions for Counter-UAV Technology

13
December 2011

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), otherwise known as a drone, is not a new invention. With early attempts at prototypes as far back as the 19th century, UAV technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since those initial models. The drones of the 21st century are compact in size, easy to maneuver, cost-effective to produce and highly agile. These attributes make the drone an increasingly popular tool for a range of functions, from use in the film industry to military defense. However, with all good things come obstacles; in the years that the drone has become increasingly ubiquitous, so has the need for technology to neutralize negative effects of drone usage.

A growing field of technology called Counter-UAV, or C-UAV, has begun to emerge with one goal in mind: to thwart any and all potentially harmful uses of drones. The small size and slow speed of drones make them difficult to detect on military anti-aircraft radar, which is designed to detect large, fast-moving objects. In the civilian aerospace sphere, existing air traffic control systems cannot easily detect or track drones for similar reasons, increasing the risk of a collision between a drone and aircraft. 

The development of C-UAV technology is on a fast-track and frequently utilizes a variety of existing technologies, such as radar, radio frequency (RF), electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) tech. It is with these combinations of technological solutions that Counter-UAV systems are steadily growing with the aim to detect, identify, locate, track and, if necessary, deactivate drone devices.

Radiall Products for C-UAV Technology

Radiall offers an array of products that are ideally suited for the technologies at work in C-UAV. 

The Q-MTitan™ is a ruggedized high-density optical solution that is designed to withstand harsh environments and is made to meet the aerospace industry standard ARINC 846. This product range has a variety of applications, from active transceivers to complex optical systems, and can be used in standard military connectors such as MIL-DTL-38999. Radiall can even terminate Q-MTitan™ directly on transceivers, providing an end-to-end solution. 

Our RF coaxial connectors, such as those from our IMP line, are critical components in radar systems that can be implemented in C-UAV systems. As the smallest true RF line solution with optimized performance, their solderless nature provides an ease of connection and simple integration in a lightweight package. 

The future of C-UAV technology is bright, and there may be room for other advantageous products such as Rack & Panel Connectors. These can be utilized in large sensor networks and data recorder applications in locations such as airports and large event venues, which are areas of concern when it comes to potential drone threats. Radiall’s Rack & Panel connectors are designed for both defense and civil applications; they are also cost effective and easy to maintain.

If you’d like to learn more about the products that help make C-UAV systems possible, contact us to speak to one of our experts!