Drone defense system

Abstract

Drone defense system comprising an enclosure (2) designed for attachment to a movable carrier object, wherein a first sensor system (3) for detecting the environment of the carrier object is provided on the outside of the enclosure (2), wherein the enclosure (2) is designed to accommodate a turret section (4) with an effector (5) arranged thereon, which assumes a first position, wherein the turret section (4) can be positioned in a second position in which the effector (5) projects beyond the enclosure (2), wherein the first sensor system (3) is configured to detect at least one drone in the environment of the carrier object, wherein the drone defense system (1) has at least one control unit designed to perform target recognition, to align the effector (5) with the recognized target and to provide information for triggering the effector (5) for target engagement.

Description

[0001] The innovation concerns a drone defense system.

[0002] Drone defense systems are generally known. In particular, drone defense systems are known in which a weapon (for example, a machine gun) is aimed at a drone to be combated by a human operator, and the drone is then engaged.

[0003] Furthermore, anti-aircraft tanks have become known that enable at least partially automated drone defense.

[0004] The problem is that manually operated drone defense systems often offer insufficient protection, anti-aircraft tanks for drone defense are very expensive, and they often provide inadequate protection for a convoy of vehicles, especially when the vehicles are spread out and moving at large distances from each other. Therefore, the protection offered by anti-aircraft tanks is usually limited to high-value targets.

[0005] Countermeasures against drones that disrupt their navigation are often ineffective, especially when the drones are controlled by fiber optic cables, navigate autonomously, or have a fixed inertial navigation and target recognition system.

[0006] Based on this, the task of the innovation is to specify a drone defense system that enables effective protection of carrier objects such as vehicles or ships from drones.

[0007] The problem is solved by a drone defense system according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The innovation relates to a drone defense system for combating unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones. The drone defense system comprises an enclosure designed for attachment to a mobile platform. The enclosure can be box-shaped, for example, essentially resembling a roof box. It can be designed, for instance, to be mounted on top of the vehicle's structure, particularly its body or roof. Externally, the enclosure incorporates a primary sensor system for monitoring the platform's surroundings. This primary sensor system is specifically designed to gather information about the airspace around the platform to determine whether one or more drones are present in its vicinity.The enclosure is designed to house a turret section in a first position and an effector attached to the turret section. The enclosure has a receiving compartment into which the turret section with the attached effector can be lowered, in particular folded in. The turret section can be positioned in a second position in which the effector protrudes beyond the enclosure. Specifically, the turret section can be folded out of the receiving compartment of the enclosure, enabling target engagement in this second position.

[0009] The first set of sensors is configured to detect at least one drone in the vicinity of the carrier object. The drone defense system includes at least one control unit designed to perform target recognition, align the effector with the detected target, and provide the information necessary to trigger the effector for target engagement. Specifically, the drone defense system incorporates a mechanism that, upon receiving target engagement information, automatically triggers the effector, for example, by pulling the trigger of a long gun.

[0010] The key advantage of the new drone defense system is that it can be installed on a wide variety of land and sea vehicles, as well as semi- or fully autonomously navigable platforms capable of moving on land or water. This allows these land and sea vehicles to provide effective drone countermeasures for themselves and neighboring vessels. Furthermore, the drone defense system also enables the protection of command posts. The system can automatically detect drones and then engage them semi-automatically (e.g., with human target confirmation) or fully automatically, significantly increasing the level of protection.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the turret section has a head section on which a mount for the effector is provided. The azimuth angle of the mount can be changed by means of a rotating unit of the head section. This achieves a carriage-like structure, allowing the effector to act in any spatial direction. The rotating unit can, for example, include a servo motor, which enables highly precise azimuth alignment of the effector.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the head section has a swivel unit on which the mount for the effector is provided. The elevation angle of the mount can be changed by means of the swivel unit. The swivel unit preferably includes a servo motor by means of which the elevation angle of the swivel unit can be changed. The servo motor thus enables highly precise alignment of the effector with respect to the elevation angle.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a second sensor is provided on the swivel unit, which is coupled to a target tracking unit. The detection direction of the second sensor is aligned with, or substantially aligned with, the direction of action of the effector. This allows the second sensor to track the target by adjusting its detection direction and the direction of action of the effector in azimuth and elevation angles, ensuring that a moving target remains within the detection range of the second sensor and within the range of action of the effector.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the effector mount and the second sensor are rigidly coupled. The at least one control unit is configured to calculate a distance at which sufficiently effective target engagement is possible. Relative movement of the effector with respect to the second sensor is not strictly necessary, which significantly simplifies the design of the weapon station.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the mount for receiving an effector is designed in the form of a firearm, in particular a long gun. The long gun can be, for example, a rifle, a shotgun, or a machine gun. The mount can include a mechanism for triggering the firearm. This significantly reduces the cost of the drone defense system, as conventional long guns can be used as the effector.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second sensor system is designed as a fire control module and comprises at least one camera, in particular a daylight camera, and a line-of-sight tracker, also referred to as a target tracking unit. The line-of-sight tracker can be integrated into the at least one camera or be a separate unit. This allows the second sensor system to automatically track the effector's alignment with the target.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the second sensor system also includes a thermal imaging camera. This enables target tracking even in poor lighting conditions, especially at night.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fire control module is configured to provide output information based on which, after the target is transferred from the first sensor to the fire control module, a detected target is tracked by adjusting the azimuth and elevation angles of the second sensor and the effector in order to keep the target within the detection range of the second sensor and in the direction of action of the effector. This allows for automated target tracking after target acquisition until the target is engaged.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the at least one control unit is configured to determine the distance between the target and the drone defense system based on information from the first and / or second sensor and to trigger an automated firing sequence when the distance reaches a predetermined or calculated value. This enables effective target engagement. Preferably, the distance is determined without the use of active sensors, i.e., exclusively using passive sensors that do not emit electromagnetic radiation, making the drone defense system undetectable and therefore more difficult to engage.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first sensor system comprises several sensor modules, each sensor module comprising several sensor units, each sensor unit having at least one camera and several acoustic sensors. The at least one camera can, for example, be a monochrome camera. In particular, the monochrome camera can be configured to capture the environment even under adverse lighting conditions (so-called low-light camera). Preferably, each sensor module has an independent module processing unit by means of which the information from the sensor units of the sensor module is processed and fused. This modular design offers advantages with regard to the reliability of the entire drone defense system. The sensor modules can be distributed within or attached to the housing, thus enabling the monitoring of the airspace around the carrier object.It should be noted that several sensor modules can be arranged modularly on the drone detection system and thus combined in any way to form a detection system.

[0021] According to one embodiment, several acoustic sensors form a sensor array coupled to a control and evaluation unit. The control and evaluation unit implements a beamforming algorithm that detects the spatial direction along which sound waves emitted from a potential target propagate towards the sensor array. The control and evaluation unit can be integrated into the module's processing unit or be a separate unit. The acoustic sensors of the sensor array can be grouped on the sensor module and, for example, arranged in a ring around at least one camera. The acoustic sensors of the sensor array can, for example, be aligned in the same spatial direction. Implementing a beamforming algorithm offers the advantage of increasing the sensitivity of the acoustic detection.Furthermore, beamforming can be used to detect the spatial direction from which the sound waves propagate towards the drone defense system.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the control and evaluation unit is designed to perform preprocessing, for example, in the form of acoustic filtering of the information provided by the acoustic sensors. This allows, for example, the filtering out of interfering ambient noises originating from the carrier object itself (e.g., a vehicle engine) or from the immediate surroundings, thus improving the detection quality. Since a sensor module has multiple sensor units, noises occurring simultaneously in several sensor units can be identified as interference and eliminated. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to coordinate the elimination of interference noises across multiple sensor modules, for example, by filtering out noises detected by the sensor units of different sensor modules.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first sensor system is configured to track the position of one or more potential targets using acoustic sensors. This enables target tracking via the acoustic sensors. The accuracy of target position determination and target tracking using the acoustic sensors can also be improved by fusing information from at least one camera with information from the acoustic sensors.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules are distributed on the housing in such a way that each sensor module captures information in a spatially limited sector, and that the sectors of the different sensor modules cover an area in the vicinity of the carrier object that is many times larger than the captured sector of a single sensor module. The detection areas of the sensor modules can partially overlap, thus achieving complete coverage of the airspace.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules are distributed on the housing in such a way that the interaction of all sensor modules achieves 360° all-around coverage. Preferably, this is a 360° all-around coverage of the airspace around the vehicle (relative to the azimuth angle). This allows for the detection of drones in the vicinity of the carrier object, independent of spatial orientation. It is understood that, depending on the application, smaller detection angles are also possible, for example, a detection angle of approximately 180°.

[0026] According to one embodiment, each sensor module has a module processing unit that processes the information provided by the sensors of the sensor module. This information can be raw sensor data or preprocessed data that has already undergone filtering or other signal processing. The module processing unit can be configured to fuse information from different sensor types, for example, information provided by the at least one camera and the acoustic sensors. In particular, the module processing unit can be configured to perform target acquisition and tracking based on the sensor information from the sensors of the sensor module. This enables module-by-module signal processing, which is advantageous for the signal processing time and the reliability of the drone defense system.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the module's processing unit includes a machine learning model for processing sensor information. This machine learning model can be trained for drone detection; that is, it is configured to recognize, based on information from at least one camera and acoustic sensors, whether a detected object is a drone or not. Furthermore, the machine learning model can be configured to classify the drone and estimate its distance from the drone defense system. This significantly improves target acquisition and engagement.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a first data interface is provided through which information about a detected target can be supplied to a human user and target release information can be received from the human user. The information about a detected target can, in particular, be image information that is provided to a user on a graphical user interface to authorize firing. This allows a human operator to check whether the detected target should be engaged or not. Preferably, however, the drone defense system can also be switched to a mode in which fully automated target engagement, i.e., without human authorization, can be carried out.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a second data interface is provided for sending and receiving information in a system of networked sensors and weapon systems. This second data interface enables information exchange between multiple drone defense systems, as well as with a military geographic information system (GIS) that includes information on potential targets and systems deployed by friendly or allied forces. This allows for the coordinated engagement of multiple targets through the interaction of several drone defense systems. Preferably, the user can specify which data is transmitted via the second data interface. In particular, the sensitivity level at which information is transmitted to a system of networked sensors and weapon systems can be defined.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the enclosure has at least one movable cover element by means of which an opening on the top of the enclosure can be opened and closed. When the turret section with the effector attached to it has assumed the first position, the opening on the top of the enclosure can be closed by the at least one movable cover element. The turret section with the effector attached to it can be positioned from the first position to the second position via the opening on the top when the at least one movable cover element releases the opening on the top of the enclosure. Preferably, the at least one movable cover element is designed such that the opening on the top can be closed again when the turret section with the effector attached to it has been moved into the second position, in particular when it has been unfolded.This allows for effective protection of the turret section and the effector via the enclosure when they have assumed the first position and thus a lower silhouette, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the effector.

[0031] The terms “approximately”, “essentially” or “about” mean, within the meaning of the invention, deviations from the respective exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0032] Further developments, advantages, and application possibilities of the innovation also arise from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject of the innovation, irrespective of their inclusion in the claims or their cross-reference. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0033] The innovation is explained in more detail below using figures illustrating exemplary implementations. These figures show: Fig. 1. An example of a new drone defense system in a perspective view with the turret folded in and the cover elements closed; Fig. 2. An example of a new drone defense system in a perspective view with the turret unfolded and the cover elements closed; Fig. 3. For example, the drone defense system with the turret extended according to Fig. 2 in a top view; Fig. 4. For example, the drone defense system with the turret folded in accordance with Fig. 1 in a top view; and Fig. 5. For example, the drone defense system with the turret extended according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in a front view;

[0034] Fig. Figures 1 to 5 show a new type of drone defense system 1 from several different perspectives. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the drone defense system 1 in a deactivated position, which Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 in activated position.

[0035] The drone defense system 1 is designed to be installed on a mobile platform and to protect the area around this platform from the effects of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs). A platform can be any mobile object with sufficient load-bearing capacity to support the drone defense system 1. Examples include land vehicles, such as military vehicles like trucks, watercraft, as well as unmanned vehicles or autonomously moving combat robots.

[0036] The drone defense system 1 comprises an enclosure 2, which forms the basic body of the drone defense system 1. The enclosure has a support structure by which the drone defense system 1 can be fixed to or on the carrier object. An example of an installation location for the drone defense system 1 is the top of the roof of a land or water vehicle.

[0037] The enclosure 2 has a receiving chamber 2.4 formed inside the enclosure 2. The enclosure 2 also has at least one, and in the illustrated embodiment two, cover elements 2.1, 2.2, by means of which an opening 2.3 on the top of the enclosure 2 can be opened and closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover elements 2.1, 2.2 are pivotably mounted on side parts of the enclosure 2 and can be folded open to opposite sides, so that the receiving chamber 2.4 is opened upwards.

[0038] The drone defense system 1 has a turret section 4, which is connected to the supporting structure of the housing 2 by a coupling section provided at the first free end. The turret section 4 is preferably pivotably connected to the housing 2 and can be folded into a first position and unfolded into a second position. A motor drive is provided for unfolding, so that the unfolding can be automated.

[0039] The tower section 4 has a head section 4.1 at the end opposite the coupling section. This head section 4.1 is rotatably coupled to the tower section 4 via a rotary unit 4.2. The rotary unit 4.2 is preferably a motor-driven slewing ring by means of which the head section 4.1 can be rotated relative to the tower section. The rotary unit 4.2 preferably includes a slip ring unit for transmitting electrical energy and electrical information, so that despite this transmission, the rotary unit 4.2 can be freely rotated through an angular range of 360°, for example, any number of times in one direction of rotation.

[0040] The head section 4.1 also includes a swivel unit 4.3, on which a bracket 5.1 for an effector 5 is provided. With respect to the axis of rotation of the swivel unit 4.2 of the head section 4.1, the bracket 5.1 for the effector 5 can be positioned laterally offset on a first side.

[0041] In the first, folded position, the turret section 4, together with the effector 5, is lowered into the receiving chamber 2.4, such that the upper opening 2.3 of the housing 2 can be closed by means of at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2. This first position is described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a deactivated state of the drone defense system 1, in which no engagement of targets is possible. Target acquisition, however, is also possible in the first position, as will be described in more detail below.

[0042] To activate the drone defense system 1, the at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2 must first be moved into the open position. This opens the upper opening 2.3 of the enclosure, and the turret section 4 with the effector 5 attached to it can be moved out of the receiving space 2.4, so that the head section 4.1 with the effector 5 attached to it projects upwards beyond the enclosure 2. Preferably, the at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2 is designed to close the opening 2.3 of the enclosure 2 again after the turret section has been moved into the second position by returning the at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2 to the closed position. Preferably, the at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2 has a hatch that can be opened and closed separately from the rest of the cover element.Through this hatch, the turret section 4, which is in the second position, can penetrate at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2, even if this is in the closed position (see . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0043] The head section 4.1, which can be rotated by means of the rotary unit 4.2, and the swivel unit 4.3, allows the holder 5.1 for the effector 5 to be aligned in azimuth (by means of the rotary unit 4.2) and elevation (by means of the swivel unit 4.3) in any spatial direction, in order to enable the effector 5 to engage a target in that spatial direction.

[0044] Mounting bracket 5.1 can include an automated triggering device for effector 5, for example, a triggering device for operating the trigger of a long gun. Other types of triggering are also conceivable in principle.

[0045] The turret section 4 with head section 4.1 and swivel unit 4.3 creates a carriage-like weapon system component by means of which the effector 5 can be automatically aligned in azimuth and elevation in any spatial direction.

[0046] A second sensor 6 can also be provided on the swivel unit 4.3. Preferably, the second sensor 6 is rigidly coupled to the mount 5.1 of the effector 5, so that the second sensor 6 and the effector 5 together perform movements in azimuth and elevation when the head section 4.1 is rotated in the azimuthal direction by means of the rotary unit 4.2 and pivoted by means of the swivel unit 4.3 to change the elevation angle.

[0047] The second sensor 6 preferably has a detection direction that is the same or substantially the same as the direction of action of the effector 5, which is advantageous for target detection shortly before the effector is triggered.

[0048] The drone defense system 1 has a first sensor 3 for detecting the environment of the carrier object. The first sensor 3 is integrated into the housing 3 in such a way that the first sensor 3 is able to detect the environment regardless of whether the turret section 4 is in the first or second position and / or whether at least one cover element 2.1, 2.2 is open or closed.

[0049] The first sensor system 3 preferably comprises several sensor modules 3.1, each of which can detect information in a sector of the surrounding area of ​​the carrier object. A sensor module 3.1 can comprise one or more sensor units 3.2. Preferably, the housing 2 has an elongated plan with two long sides and two short sides, with several sensor modules 3.1 of the first sensor system 3 being provided on each of the short sides. The sensor modules 3.1 and preferably also the sensor units 3.2 of the respective sensor modules have different orientations, so that different sectors in space can be detected by the sensor modules 3.1 and / or the sensor units 3.2 of the respective sensor modules 3.1. Preferably, the arrangement and orientation of the sensor modules 3.1 and / or the sensor units 3.2 of the respective sensor modules 3.1. The orientation is selected such that, viewed in the azimuthal direction, a 360° all-round detection or substantially a 360° all-round detection of the surroundings of the carrier object is enabled. In elevation, a detection angle of 180° or substantially 180° is preferably achieved, so that the detection area as a whole is substantially hemispherical.

[0050] As described, the sensor modules 3.1 have one or more sensor units 3.2. Each sensor unit 3.2 comprises at least one optical detector, in particular at least one camera 3.2.1, and several acoustic sensors 3.2.2. Preferably, a sensor module 3.1 has one or more CMOS cameras with an optical lens in front of them to improve the detection of objects even at long distances. The camera 3.2.1 can preferably be a monochrome camera to improve detection in low-light conditions.

[0051] The sensor unit 3.2 also includes a plurality of acoustic sensors 3.2.2. These acoustic sensors 3.2.2 are spatially distributed on the sensor unit 3.2 and form a sensor array for the acoustic detection of drones. The acoustic sensors 3.2.2 are preferably arranged in a ring around the at least one camera 3.2.1. The acoustic sensors 3.2.2 can, for example, be MEMS microphones (MEMS: micro-electromechanical system), i.e., microphones manufactured using SMD technology that can be placed directly on electronic circuit boards. These have a robust design and can be integrated compactly.

[0052] The sensor information from the acoustic sensors 3.2.2 is preferably preprocessed by a control and evaluation unit of the sensor module 3.1. The control and evaluation unit is preferably configured for digital beamforming; that is, the sensor information from the acoustic sensors 3.2.2 is processed digitally in such a way that directed reception of sound waves in a definable spatial direction with simultaneous amplification is achieved. In other words, a main reception lobe is formed in which the reception of the acoustic signals is amplified. This enables the acoustic detection of drones with high detection accuracy, even from greater distances. Likewise, the direction along which the acoustic signals propagate can be determined by digital beamforming.

[0053] Each sensor module 3.1 preferably includes a module processing unit configured to process and fuse the sensor information provided by the sensor units 3.2. In particular, the module processing unit is configured to fuse sensor information from the acoustic sensors and at least one camera 3.2.1. Fusion means that a target detected by the acoustic sensors 3.2.2 is correlated with a target detected by at least one camera 3.2.1.

[0054] The module's processing unit is preferably configured to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously. For example, the spatial direction in which a target is detected is stored in a memory unit and continuously updated over time, thus tracking the target's movement. Preferably, target information is also stored along with the spatial direction. This target information can, in particular, be acoustic information detected by the acoustic sensors 3.2.2, indicating characteristic acoustic properties of the respective target, such as an acoustic signature. This allows groups of drones to be detected, and the individual drones within the group to be tracked and distinguished separately as targets. In the event that a target leaves the detection range of one sensor module 3.1 and enters the detection range of another sensor module 3.2.2, the system can also...When event 1 occurs, a target transfer between sensor modules 3.1 can be carried out.

[0055] The module's processing unit preferably includes at least one machine learning model, in particular an artificial neural network, for processing sensor information. The machine learning model is preferably trained for drone target recognition. The model can be trained on different types of drones with their optical and acoustic properties, thus enabling drone type identification.

[0056] Preferably, the neural network is also trained to estimate the distance of a drone from the drone defense system 1. This enables automated triggering of the effector when the drone reaches a predetermined distance at which effective drone control is possible.

[0057] A higher-level control unit can be provided to process the information supplied by the multiple sensor modules 3.1. Either this higher-level control unit or the module processing units, each operating separately, are preferably configured to track multiple targets and determine a sequence for combating them.

[0058] As previously described, the drone defense system 1 has a second sensor 6 with a detection range in the direction of action of the effector 5, and is rigidly coupled to it, so that the second sensor 6 moves in azimuth and elevation together with the effector 5. This second sensor 6 is configured as a fire control module. This means that the fire control module receives target information from a module processing unit or a higher-level control unit, indicating the spatial direction in which a target is located. The fire control module is configured, for example, to control the actuators that influence the orientation of the effector 5 and the second sensor 6 in azimuth and elevation such that the effector 5 and the second sensor 6 are aligned with the target.

[0059] After the target has been detected by the second sensor 6, target tracking is carried out using a line-of-sight tracker, adjusting the orientation of the effector 5 and the second sensor 6 depending on the movement of the target, so that the effector 5 and the second sensor 6 remain aligned with the target.

[0060] The engagement of the target can be triggered automatically by a control unit of the drone defense system 1 (possibly after target clearance by a human operator) if the target is at a predetermined distance from the drone defense system 1.

[0061] Preferably, the distance to the target is determined purely by means of passive sensors, i.e., without the drone defense system 1 actively emitting electromagnetic radiation. In other words, no active sensor, such as a laser tracker, is used to determine the distance to the target. This makes the drone defense system 1 more difficult to locate and engage.

[0062] Preferably, the drone defense system 1 has a first data interface S1 via which the drone defense system 1 can be coupled to a user interface UI. The user interface UI can, in particular, comprise a graphical user interface on which a detected target can be displayed for a human operator. The user interface UI can also include input means, such as a button or similar, for target confirmation and final firing authorization by the human operator. It should be noted, however, that target confirmation and final firing authorization do not directly trigger the engagement by means of the effector 5, but rather the drone defense system 1 preferably initiates target engagement automatically when the most effective target engagement is possible (for example, after reaching a certain distance between the target and the drone defense system 1).

[0063] Alternatively, it is possible to switch to a mode in which target confirmation and final fire release are not required, so that the drone defense system 1 can engage a target fully automatically and without release by the human operator if necessary.

[0064] The user interface (UI) can be located inside the carrier object. An example of this is the driver's cab of a vehicle. This allows the driver or passenger of the vehicle to confirm the target and give the final firing authorization.

[0065] Furthermore, the drone defense system 1 may preferably have a second data interface S2, by means of which target matching and coordination with other units or a continuously updated military geographic information system is possible. This enables networked countermeasures operations, for example, such that in a vehicle convoy with several vehicles equipped with drone defense systems 1, target assignments can be made between the drone defense systems 1 in the case of a swarm of multiple drones, so that each drone defense system 1 only engages a portion of the drone swarm.

[0066] The innovation has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible without abandoning the underlying concept of the innovation. Reference symbol list 1 Drone defense system 2 Enclosure 2.1, 2.2 movable lid element 2.3 Opening 2.4 Recording room 3 first sensors 3.1 Sensor module 3.2 Sensor unit 3.2.1 Camera 3.2.2 acoustic sensor 4 Tower section 4.1 Header section 4.2 Rotary unit 4.3 Swivel unit 5 effector 5.1 Mounting bracket 6 second sensors 6.1 Camera 6.2 Thermal imaging camera S1 first data interface S2 second data interface UI User Interface

Claims

[1] Drone defense system comprising an enclosure (2) designed for attachment to a movable carrier object, wherein a first sensor system (3) for detecting the environment of the carrier object is provided on the outside of the enclosure (2), wherein the enclosure (2) is designed to accommodate a turret section (4) with an effector (5) arranged thereon, wherein the turret section (4) can be positioned in a second position in which the effector (5) protrudes beyond the enclosure (2), wherein the first sensor system (3) is configured to detect at least one drone in the environment of the carrier object, wherein the drone defense system (1) has at least one control unit designed to perform target recognition, to align the effector (5) with the recognized target and to provide information for triggering the effector (5) for target engagement. [2] Drone defense system according to claim 1, characterized by, that the turret section (4) has a head section (4.1) on which a bracket (5.1) for the effector (5) is provided and that the azimuth angle of the bracket (5.1) can be changed by means of a rotating unit (4.2) of the head section (4.1). [3] Drone defense system according to claim 2, characterized by , that the head section (4.1) has a pivoting unit (4.3) on which the holder (5.1) for the effector (5) is provided, wherein the elevation angle of the holder (5.1) can be changed by means of the pivoting unit (4.3). [4] Drone defense system according to claim 3, characterized by , that a second sensor (6) is provided on the swivel unit (4.3) which has a target tracking unit, wherein the detection direction of the second sensor (6) is aligned in the same or substantially the same way as the direction of action of the effector (5). [5] Drone defense system according to claim 4, characterized by, that the mounting (5.1) for the effector (5) and the second sensor (6) are rigidly coupled to each other. [6] Drone defense system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mount (5.1) is designed to receive an effector (5) in the form of a firearm, in particular a long gun. [7] Drone defense system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the second sensor system (6) is designed as a fire control module and includes at least one camera (6.1) and a line-of-sight tracker. [8] Drone defense system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by , that the second sensor system (6) additionally includes a thermal imaging camera (6.2). [9] Drone defense system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, that the fire control module is configured to provide output information based on which, after the target transfer from the first sensor (3) to the fire control module, a detected target is tracked by adjusting the azimuth and elevation angle of the fire control module and the effector (5) in order to keep the target within the detection range of the second sensor (6) and in the direction of action of the effector (5). [10] Drone defense system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the control unit is configured to determine the distance between the target and the drone defense system (1) based on information from the first and / or second sensor (3, 6) and to initiate an automated firing sequence when the distance reaches a predetermined or calculated distance value. [11] Drone defense system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first sensor system (3) comprises several sensor modules (3.1), wherein a sensor module (3.1) comprises several sensor units (3.2), each sensor unit (3.2) comprising at least one camera (3.2.1) and several acoustic sensors (3.2.2). [12] Drone defense system according to claim 11, characterized by , that several acoustic sensors (3.2.2) form a sensor array coupled to a control and evaluation unit, the control and evaluation unit implementing a beamforming algorithm by means of which the spatial direction along which sound waves emitted from a potential target propagate towards the sensor array can be detected. [13] Drone defense system according to claim 12, characterized by , that the control and evaluation unit is designed for preprocessing and acoustic filtering of the information provided by the acoustic sensors (3.2.2). [14] Drone defense system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by, that the first sensor system (3) is designed to track the position of one or more potential targets by means of the acoustic sensors (3.2.2). [15] Drone defense system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor modules (3.1) are distributed on the housing (2) in such a way that each sensor module (3.1) captures information in a spatially limited sector and that the sectors of the different sensor modules (3.1) cover an area in the vicinity of the carrier object that is many times larger than the captured sector of a sensor module (3.1). [16] Drone defense system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor modules (3.1) are distributed on the housing (2) in such a way that the interaction of all sensor modules (3.1) achieves 360° all-round coverage. [17] Drone defense system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized by, that each sensor module (3.1) has a module computing unit by means of which the information provided by the sensors (3.2.1, 3.2.2) of the sensor module (3.2.2) is processed. [18] Drone defense system according to claim 17, characterized by that the module's computing unit has a machine learning model for processing sensor information. [19] Drone defense system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a first data interface (S1) is provided through which information about a detected target can be provided to a human user and target release information can be received from the human user. [20] Drone defense system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a second data interface (S2) is provided for sending and receiving information in a system of networked operating sensors and weapon systems. [21] Drone defense system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the enclosure (2) has at least one movable cover element (2.1, 2.2) by means of which an upper opening (2.3) of the enclosure (2) can be opened and closed, wherein the upper opening (2.3) of the enclosure (2) can be closed by the at least one movable cover element (2.1, 2.2) when the tower section (4) with effector (5) arranged thereon has assumed the first position, and the tower section (4) with effector (5) arranged thereon can be positioned into the second position via the upper opening (2.3) when the at least one movable cover element (2.1, 2.2) releases the upper opening (2.3) of the enclosure (2).

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