Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced a directed-energy, hard-kill intercept capability to its Drone Dome micro- and mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection and neutralisation system.
The standard Drone Dome system comprises a RADA RPS-42 S-band multi-mission hemispheric radar, a Controp MEOS electro-optical (EO)/infrared surveillance suite, a communications package, and the C-Guard RD jamming and NetSense Wideband detection sensor systems developed by Netline.
The RPS-42 is a four-panel tactical air surveillance system delivering 360° coverage in azimuth and 90° in elevation, with a detection range of 30 km – including the detection of a minimum target size of 0.002 m2 at a range of 3.2 km – and at altitudes from 30-30,000 ft. The RPS-42 is optimised to detect, track, and classify all classes of UAV.
The NetSense Wideband sensor detects a broad range of transmission types, including short bursts and wideband/narrowband signals, with continuous, rapid scanning in the 20 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range, while the C-Guard RD blocks very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) UAV channels with reactive jamming technology (with up to 400 W of total radio frequency output power), and targets all possible links on standard ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) and WiFi bands. At this level of capability, the UAV threat is neutralised by activation of directional GPS/GNSS and radio frequency inhibitor/jammer devices.
As currently demonstrated, the radar, communications suite, and camera are integrated with a command and control system by Rafael subsidiary mPrest.
Leveraging the scalable fibre-optic laser technologies developed for Rafael’s Iron Beam mobile counter-UAV and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar 50 kW High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) solution, Rafael has now introduced the ‘Lite Beam’ intercept capability to the Drone Dome system.
Source: Jane’s 360